Kakashi Hatake (はたけカカシ, Hatake Kakashi) is a shinobi of Konohagakure's Hatake clan. After receiving a Sharingan from his team-mate, Obito Uchiha, Kakashi gained recognition as Copy Ninja Kakashi (コピー忍者のカカシ, Kopī Ninja no Kakashi) and Kakashi of the Sharingan (写輪眼のカカシ, Sharingan no Kakashi). His prodigious talent, skill, and Sharingan prowess have made him one of the village's most capable ninja, and as such, both highly renowned and feared throughout the ninja world. Later appointed the leader of Team 7, Kakashi used his years of experience to train his students as skilled shinobi in their own rights. In the aftermath of the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kakashi takes up office as the Sixth Hokage (六代目火影, Rokudaime Hokage, Literally meaning: Sixth Fire Shadow).

Contents

Background

Early life

Kakashi at his entrance ceremony.

Kakashi is the son of Sakumo Hatake, a genius renowned as "Konoha's White Fang".[13] Little is known of his mother other than that she died at a young age.[14] Kakashi quickly grew to be very popular among his peers. In the anime, he once won a child's competition by performing the most advanced technique to win a kunai prize.[15] After successfully passing his entrance exam to join the Academy at age 4, he met Might Guy, who despite Kakashi belittling Guy's lack of any natural talent as Guy failed his exam, quickly came to like Kakashi. Sakumo also warned his son to not take his own training or Guy lightly, as he may one day surpass Kakashi. Despite this ridicule, in the anime, Kakashi defended Guy when he was being beaten by other ninja.[16]

Hailed as a prodigy and the best of his generation,[17][4] Kakashi graduated from the Academy at age 5 at the top of his class in a single year.[18] He later became part of a one-sided rivalry with Guy. With Kakashi's growing reputation as a genius, Guy eagerly challenged Kakashi. While initially Kakashi was indifferent to the overzealous Guy's request, Kakashi ultimately agreed, defeating Guy in every challenge. This however only made Guy more determined to defeat Kakashi. Seemingly warming up to Guy, he continued to accept Guy's various challenges (including eating contests and Rock, Paper, Scissors), ultimately giving Kakashi a record of 49 wins and 50 losses.[19][20]

Kakashi finds his father dead.

While Kakashi was still in the Academy, Sakumo fell into disgrace after choosing to save his comrades rather than complete an important mission, which caused the nation and the village to suffer a great loss. Dishonoured, Sakumo took his own life after suffering a deep depression and drop in his skills; this experience made Kakashi determined to lead his life strictly by the ninja code.[21] Despite having gone on several missions, Kakashi's persistent desire to follow the rules and complete his mission put him at odds with whatever team he was assigned to.[22]

Eventually, Kakashi was assigned to join a team alongside Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara under Minato Namikaze's command. They were given a final test to earn their full genin status; take one of two bells from Minato. As Kakashi realised that meant at least one of the three would fail, the young ninja each began to fight by themselves. Quickly being overwhelmed by the sensei's much greater skill, Kakashi came to the conclusion that only together could they even hope to defeat Minato. Kakashi managed to get Rin and Obito to work together with him, ultimately allowing Kakashi to get one of the bells. Seeing the team succeeded in the true goal of the test — team-work — Kakashi and his classmates officially became Minato's students.[23] During his time as Minato's student, Kakashi and his fellow students became well-acquainted with Minato's wife, Kushina Uzumaki. Growing fond of the young trio, Kushina would regularly help with their training, most noticeably bringing them homemade food for them.[24] At age 6, Kakashi became a chūnin after facing and defeating Might Guy during the third stage of the Chūnin Exams.[25]

Third Shinobi World War

See also: Kakashi Gaiden
Soon after becoming a jōnin at age 12, Kakashi was assigned to lead his team-mates Obito and Rin on a mission that would benefit Konoha in the ongoing Third Shinobi World War. They were to destroy Kannabi Bridge, which was being used by Iwagakure forces to move into Kusagakure. This would also be Konoha's first huge offensive move in the war. On their way to the bridge, Rin was kidnapped by two Iwagakure ninja named Kakkō and Taiseki. Obito immediately suggested that they rescue her, but Kakashi disagreed on the basis that they needed to complete their mission, opting not to make the same mistake his father did in his mission.[26]

Kakashi using Chidori to engage his enemy.

Obito would not hear of it and stubbornly left to save Rin, but not before mentioning that he believed Kakashi's father, the White Fang, was a true hero. Shortly after parting ways, Kakashi reflected on Obito's words and Rin's prior kindness. He realised that his father was not wrong after all, which prompted him to join Obito in the rescue effort. Kakashi arrived in time to save Obito from Taiseki. Despite the two-to-one disadvantage, the more experienced Taiseki was able to attack and injure Kakashi, who took the blow that was intended for Obito, giving him a permanent scar while also ruining Kakashi's left eye to such an extent that Kakashi was left with only one good eye for the duration of the mission.[27]

Kakashi saving Obito from Taiseki.

Obito's will to protect his comrades caused his Sharingan to awaken which in turn helped kill Taiseki. After finding Rin and defeating Kakkō with Obito's help, Kakashi freed Rin from the genjutsu before their opponent attempted to trap them in a cave-in. While trying to escape, Kakashi was hit by a rock, which he didn't notice because of his bandaged eye, causing him to fall. Obito pushed Kakashi out of the path of a huge falling boulder, getting himself crushed instead. This resulted in the right side of Obito's body being crushed beyond repair.

Knowing he was dying, Obito requested his Sharingan be a belated present to Kakashi and instructed Rin to implant his left Sharingan into Kakashi's lost eye. Rin complied, and as soon as the surgery was completed Kakashi used his new Sharingan to perfect his Chidori and kill Kakkō. He then returned to Obito to see if there was anything he could do for him, but alongside Rin was forced to leave him. With the help of Minato, they ultimately completed their mission, allowing them to mourn Obito's apparent death.[28]

At some point during this time, Kakashi signed a summoning contract with the ninken. Later, in the anime, Kakashi and Rin's team was given Might Guy as a replacement. It was during this mission that Kakashi and Guy found true trust and team-work with each other, and where Kakashi famously split a lightning bolt with his Chidori, giving birth to its new name Lightning Cutter.[29] Later, during another mission, Kakashi met a young girl named Hanare of the Jōmae Village who was lost. He taught her about how the clouds can help her find her way and find her teacher.[30]

Kakashi killing Rin with Lightning Cutter.

Sometime after the events at Kannabi Bridge, Rin was taken captive by Kirigakure. With the help of his nin-ken pack, Kakashi was able to track her down.[31] Kakashi was able to rescue her, but not before she was forcibly made the jinchūriki of the Three-Tails. While returning to the village, they were ambushed by jōnin and Anbu-level Kiri shinobi.[32] Rin, who knew about Kirigakure's plan to unleash the beast on Konoha, begged Kakashi to kill her. After he refused, Rin waited for Kakashi to attack, and intentionally got in Kakashi's path,[33] culminating in a tearful Kakashi piercing through Rin's chest with his Lightning Cutter, leaving the Kiri-nin stunned and Kakashi himself devastated.[34] Shortly afterwards, Kakashi and Obito — still alive and witnessing it from behind the scenes — developed their fully-matured Sharingan and subsequently awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan at precisely the same time.

Exhausted and overwhelmed with sorrow and grief at his part in Rin's death, Kakashi lost consciousness and passed out while Obito, whose own rage and grief manifested itself in his new wood-based abilities, went on a rampage and brutally killed all the Kirigakure ninja.[35] Though Kakashi technically was the one who killed Rin, Obito left him alive, and he was later found by Konoha reinforcements.[36] In the anime, despite his growing career, Kakashi was still haunted by having killed Rin with his own hand, having nightmares and visions that visibly shook him. Since then, Kakashi avoided his fellow classmates. When Minato was elected Hokage sometime later, feeling that Kakashi needed a new direction in life following the loss of Rin, he assigned Kakashi to join the Anbu despite his student's young age under his direct command.[37]

Post-War

Kakashi and his fellow youths are forbade from fighting off the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha.

After the conclusion of the war, Kakashi worked hard at his new position and quickly built a famous reputation during his first year in Anbu. However, much of it came from his cold-hearted and ruthless approach in battle, stemming from his bitterness at losing Rin. Likewise, many people had a misconception that Kakashi killed Rin purposely for the sake of preventing her from leaking information, earning him the nickname "Friend Killer Kakashi".[38] Eventually, he was promoted again to Anbu captain and leader of Team Ro that responded directly to the Hokage. Later, Kakashi learned from Minato that Kushina was pregnant and was entrusted to protect her during her jinchūriki-induced ten-month pregnancy. Kakashi followed this order very faithfully and never let Kushina out of his sight, constantly monitoring her from the shadows, even when she was with Minato, making his presence meaningless.[39] Kakashi would often visit Rin and Obito's respective graves in the Konoha Cemetery and the Memorial Stone, cleaning their tombstones and bringing them flowers. On one such occasion, he visited Rin's grave and told her that their sensei's child would be born soon and left to go to the stone, unaware that Tobi was watching him and overheard Kakashi reveal where Kushina would birth her child.[40] On the night of Kushina's due-date, Kakashi felt an ominous presence in the air. Soon after, the Nine-Tails appeared.[39] During the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha, Kakashi and the rest of his peers were barred from participating in defending the village by Shinku Yūhi and other senior shinobi for their own safety as the younger generation.[41]

While Kushina and Minato managed to seal away the Nine-Tails, they and many others perished from the attack. After Hiruzen was chosen to resume his duties as Hokage, Danzō Shimura approached a grieving Kakashi. He pointed out that Kakashi was unable to aid his late sensei and possibly save him because of Hiruzen's orders. Convinced in Danzō's reasoning, Kakashi grew to resent Hiruzen and felt that he was not fit to lead the village, deciding to take Danzō's offer to join the Anbu Root division and spy on Hiruzen for Danzō. During a delivery, Kakashi was attacked by a boy codenamed "Kinoe" who could use Hashirama's Wood Release. Danzō broke up the fight, revealing to both they were under his orders.[39] Knowing that only the First Hokage was supposed to have the Wood Release, Kakashi sneaked into the Hokage Residence to investigate. Soon after, Kakashi was approached by Hiruzen. Despite the intrusion, the Third Hokage presented Kakashi with the records of the Wood Release, explaining that in the past it was attempted to recreate the First Hokage's Wood Release, but consistently ended with failure and death of the subjects, ultimately ceasing the research and deeming it forbidden.

Kakashi spares Kinoe's life.

Hiruzen also explained that recently, several people, from children to adult, have gone missing with suspicion that someone was resuming the research. He reluctantly expressed that any replication of the Wood Release could have saved the village from the Nine-Tails' attack. Realising that Hiruzen truly cared for the well-being of the village and that Danzō knowingly kept a valuable asset in the Wood Release child a secret, Kakashi told Hiruzen of Danzō's plan to assassinate the Third before he could resume power. The following day Kakashi went in Hiruzen's place to lure out the assailants, one of which was Kinoe. Kakashi easily defeated him, but chose to spare him, knowing he would be valuable ally in the future. Later that night, Kakashi requested to resign from Anbu, feeling unworthy from have betrayed the Third's trust even once. Hiruzen however insisted that Kakashi's assistance was needed during these times, having said so to Minato himself. Ultimately, Kakashi agreed to stay working as Hiruzen's right-hand man and told him of Kinoe.[42]

Kakashi unable to stop Orochimaru.

Later, Orochimaru of the Sannin was discovered to be responsible for the disappearance of Konoha citizens and was attempting to escape the country. After Orochimaru escaped the Third Hokage and company's ambush, Kakashi intercepted him as he left his hideout, only to be swiftly outmanoeuvred by the older ninja. Taking advantage of Orochimaru's love of snakes, Kakashi and Hiruzen used a backup plan to let a snake get close enough to Orochimaru and detonate an explosive tag inside its mouth, severely injuring the Sannin. Despite the handicap, the malice in Orochimaru's eyes alone was still enough to freeze Kakashi in his tracks, allowing Orochimaru to escape. After regaining his composure, determined to not let Orochimaru leave the country, Kakashi summoned his ninken to find the missing-nin. Kakashi soon found an underground cave.[43] Once inside, he was attacked by the Iburi clan, loyal servants to Orochimaru. Using their unique ability to become smoke, the clan quickly subdued Kakashi. Kinoe, who was a welcomed guest, convinced them to let Kakashi live so he could interrogate him.

While talking alone, Kinoe revealed that like the Third Hokage, Danzō too viewed Orochimaru as too dangerous to let leave the country. The Iburi leader Gotta, heard this while spying and quickly sought to kill the two Konoha-nin. However, one of the clan members, Yukimi, chose to save Kinoe, and by extension Kakashi, as she was convinced Kinoe was her brother Tenzō. After Yukimi left Kakashi behind to leave with Kinoe, Kakashi found his way outside, but was quickly attacked by Gotta. Ultimately, Gotta's smoke form became his undoing because of his weakness to wind. As he died, he begged Kakashi to get back Yukimi, who was very valuable to Orochimaru. Kakashi soon found Yukimi and Kinoe, telling Kinoe that they needed her to capture Orochimaru. Having grown close to her, Kinoe instead ran away with her.[44] Quickly catching up to them, he explained that Yukimi's blood could bestow Orochimaru with the Iburi clan's smoke transformation, meaning Orochimaru would go to the cave. Overhearing that, Yukimi slipped away and returned to the cave. Recognising that Kinoe cared for Yukimi like Kakashi did for Rin, the two agreed to work together to save her. Upon the duo returning the cave, Orochimaru killed all the Iburi in his search for Yukimi, finally capturing her. As the cave began to collapse Orochimaru decided to escape, leaving Yukimi as her body then began to destabilise, but the spirits of the Iburi used their power along with Kinoe's Wood Release to re-stabilise Yukimi, finally allowing her to enter the world without fear of the wind. Kakashi decided to leave and not report anything about the Iburi or Root's involvement.[45]

Kakashi and his ninken during his Anbu days.

Over the years, Kakashi became well-known amongst all the Five Great Shinobi Countries for the extensive use of his Sharingan, gaining him a reputation as "the man who has copied over a thousand techniques", hence his nickname.[46][47] Three years after Orochimaru's defection from Konoha, one of his secret labs was discovered. Knowing the potential traps inside, Hiruzen sent Kakashi to investigate. There, he met up with Kinoe again, who was on a mission of his own. Inside the lab, as Kakashi found to his horror some kind of snake creature, Kinoe attacked Kakashi, as his mission was to retrieve Kakashi's Sharingan for Danzō. As Kakashi tried to reason with Kinoe, saying that missions should never overshadow loyalty to a friend, Kinoe retorted this, noting that Kakashi killed Rin. Enraged by that remark, Kakashi quickly overpowered Kinoe. Still viewing Kinoe as a friend and ally to the village, Kakashi chose to bring Kinoe to the Third Hokage.[48] Before he could, one of Orochimaru's snake experiments escaped its test tube and attacked the duo. As Kinoe was taken captive, Kakashi managed to slay the creature. While saving Kinoe, the creature's corpse began emitting a poisonous vapour which quickly infected Kakashi. Kinoe got Kakashi out safely and, having accepting Kakashi's words, Kinoe gave Kakashi an antidote and chose to abandon his mission. After Kakashi regained consciousness, he read Kinoe's letter. Knowing Danzō would not tolerate insubordination, Kakashi quickly went to the Third Hokage for help. Giving Kakashi a summon request to be delivered to Danzō, he went to Root headquarters, where the guards claimed Danzō was somewhere else. Not believing them, Kakashi used his Sharingan to learn Kinoe was taken to be implanted with a cursed seal. Kakashi quickly found Kinoe and freed him, only to be surrounded by Danzō and his men. Before Danzō could execute Kakashi on the grounds of trespassing, Hiruzen arrived to vouch for Kakashi coming. Sparing Kakashi of any punishment, Hiruzen turned his attention to Kinoe and convinced Danzō to turn him over to his direct command. Later, Kakashi welcomed Kinoe to his squad, insisting that Kinoe now go by his chosen name of "Tenzō", which he happily agreed to.[49]

Three years later, Itachi Uchiha, another prodigy even younger than Kakashi was at the time, joined Anbu as part of Kakashi's team. While Kakashi's men doubted letting such a young child join, Kakashi noted Itachi's exceptional capabilities. Later, Kakashi and Itachi were assigned to a mission of observing a meeting between Konoha and the Land of Woods. They were tasked to kill the Land of Woods' Prajñā Group if they betrayed the Konoha-nin after an exchange of scrolls was made. When the Wood-nin revealed their treachery, Kakashi and Itachi swiftly defeated them. Afterwards, Kakashi congratulated Itachi for his excellent performance. Also watching Itachi's merciless approach made Kakashi realise the dark side of being in Anbu, telling the young Uchiha the importance of friends.[50] Two years later, Kakashi and Itachi were assigned to spy on the Uchiha clan under the continued suspicion that they played a part in the Nine-Tails' attack years ago. Later, during another Anbu mission, Itachi approached his senior, asking his opinion on honouring a dead friend's request, to which Kakashi firmly say one should always do so.[51]

Later, when Itachi was promoted to Anbu captain himself, the youngest in history, Kakashi openly congratulated his former subordinate. He was quickly met up with by Yūgao Uzuki. As Kakashi was already her senior and mentor, Yūgao was thrilled to announce that she was the new replacement for Team Ro and working with Kakashi. Afterwards, Kakashi was called upon the Third Hokage to look into the repeated infiltration of Konoha by an unknown individual without setting off the village barrier warning. Kakashi was given the locations of key points that erected the barrier in hopes of finding any weaknesses or changes. While sent as a non-Anbu, once looking within the Uchiha district, Kakashi quickly realised the disdain the entire district had for him, a non-Uchiha. Later, Team Ro was mobilised to the Uchiha District, under orders to pacify the Uchiha before civil war could happen. Kakashi was shocked to discover the complete annihilation of the proud clan, save for its youngest member, Sasuke. Danzō then appeared, explaining that Itachi had long since begun to despise his clan, even taking the late Shisui's Sharingan in a pursuit of greater power, and ultimately decided to kill the clan off. Horrified to hear what his friend did, Kakashi began to lament at his inability to help Itachi avoid such an outcome.

After 10 years, Kakashi gives up his Anbu mask, ending his career in it.

Later, feeling similar regret to Itachi's recent actions and that it was a mistake to put a kind heart like Itachi's in Anbu, a remorseful Hiruzen called upon Kakashi. While applauding Kakashi for his superb work in Anbu over the past ten years, Hiruzen decided to relieve Kakashi of any further service, fearing that Kakashi's heart would only darken from the experience, and was instead appointed a jōnin sensei.[52] Kakashi would go on to test many genin but would never pass any of them due to their inability to live up to his expectations of working as a team.[53] In the anime, this stemmed from the shame of him never having shown true team-work with his own rookie team. He would use various methods to test true loyalty and cooperation between his students, constantly showing no signs of doing so. When Kakashi began to doubt his methods as Minato himself overlooked Kakashi's original lack of team-work, several of Kakashi's former potential students began to prosper from his actions, showing true loyalty to their allies as Kakashi originally intended, thanking Kakashi for his help. Kakashi was happy his students learned to value team-work, reaffirming his faith in his methods.[23] He once had a mission where Iruka, his team-mate at the time, was injured and decided to become an instructor at the Academy. When Iruka was having doubts about being the home room teacher of Naruto Uzumaki, Kakashi served to remind him of his real reasons for wanting the post in the first place.[54]

Personality

In early childhood, Kakashi was very independent and self-confident, at times even appearing arrogant and condescending. Despite that, Kakashi was very perceptive and intuitive, quickly realising the situation for what it was. He was well-aware of his limits and is willing to work with others to accomplish his tasks. Furthermore, in the anime, he was very outgoing, entering competitions and playing games with his friends often.[15] After his father's death, Kakashi became more stern and serious, following the rules to the letter and chastising any who disobeyed them. It was ultimately Obito who helped Kakashi regained his value in friendship over the rules during the Third Shinobi World War when their closer friends Rin was abducted. However, Obito's supposed death had a huge impact on Kakashi. In the anime, after the death of Rin by his own hands, Kakashi developed post-traumatic stress disorder, having nightmares of Rin's death. Kakashi also often ignored his fellow classmates. Thinking it would ease his pain, Minato convinced Kakashi to join the Anbu. However, Kakashi gained a reputation for his cold-bloodedness, mercilessly killing enemies instead of sparing him for interrogation.

Though his childhood was riddled with numerous despairs, Kakashi's closest childhood friends: Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai, and later his students, gradually helped Kakashi regain much of his compassion and value for life. Guy in particular became a strong influence in Kakashi's restore compassion, having developed an ongoing, albeit one-sided rivalry with Guy who constantly tries to prove himself superior to Kakashi with constant challenges. This ultimately lead to Kakashi having the utmost trust in Guy as seen during the Fourth Shinobi World War, even asking Tsunade to make Guy his second-in-command. Overall, Kakashi's devotion to the village and his friends were the motivation to perfect the Chidori. He also adopted many of Obito's natures, such as greater concern for his team-mates and students than a mission, as well as believing that team-work is essential to overall success as a team. He has also developed a somewhat carefree personality and is regularly late for appointments, making obvious excuses just like Obito before him.[55] This is often because he loses track of time during his frequent visits to the graves of Obito and Rin or the memorial stone where their name are engraved.[56]

As an adult, Kakashi is in general as apathetic as he was during his youth, often speaking bluntly about sensitive topics. Kakashi has a rather solitary and matter-of-fact attitude. He often displays a bored and unenthusiastic expression. His calm and detached demeanour has been called "cool, hip, and trendy" many times by Might Guy. His naturally calm attitude allows him to easily remain composed and focus, noticing everything around him. Even in near-death situations, Kakashi is able to stay collected and resourceful. As a result, he can quickly adjust to any situation to make keen and thought-out decisions and stay steps ahead of his opponents. Despite his usually stoic demeanour, Kakashi does have an emotional side, as he noted during the Fourth Shinobi World War that it took a lot to get him worked up, but when he did, he would go on a merciless rampage against the enemy.[57] Despite his increasingly growing reputation and prowess as a ninja, Kakashi is rather modest about his abilities, readily praising others for leaps in their combat abilities and even stating on more than one occasion that Naruto has surpassed him in power. Long before becoming Hokage, Kakashi openly admitted he didn't feel worthy of the position despite many suggesting him for it. However, he would still be willing to accept the position for the village's well-being.

True to his teachings to his students, Kakashi is quick to acknowledge a situation requiring assistance. He is likewise open to people changing, seen from him willingly working with the reformed Kurama despite it killing Kakashi's sensei, Minato.[58] His loyalty, however, also works to his disadvantage. Horrified at learning that Tobi was actually his former comrade Obito, Kakashi had difficulty accepting this fact to the point he initially couldn't react properly during battle.[59][60] Afterwards however, Kakashi became willing to strike down Obito for the sake of protecting his allies and to preserve the memories of how Obito was.[61]

After the formation of Team 7, Kakashi begins taking a noticeable interest in his students' development, especially Naruto and Sasuke, whose rivalry reminded him of his relation to Obito. Like Hiruzen, Kakashi loves all of his students deeply. Despite Sasuke allying with Orochimaru, Kakashi shared Naruto's hope that they could save him. However, Kakashi became originally distraught about having to kill Sasuke after he became an enemy of Konoha, especially since he felt that it was his shortcomings as their teacher that lead to this, but furiously discarded his hesitation after Sasuke attempted to kill Sakura.[62] However, after Naruto finally managed to make Sasuke let go of his anger and darkness, Kakashi could not help but smile while watching as his students laughing together again after so many years of trials and tribulations. He even used his pull as the new Sixth Hokage to pardon Sasuke of his crimes in his service to ending the war.

Kakashi's obsession with the Icha Icha series.

Kakashi is an avid fan of the Icha Icha series of novels by Jiraiya, suggesting a perverted side. He is typically seen reading one of the books in his spare time, making it the only one of his reportedly several hobbies that is ever revealed. He even read a book during his first bell test with the newly formed Team 7 as he deemed Naruto too weak of a threat. However, during the second bell test with Naruto and Sakura, Kakashi lost to his students when his love for the book series was used against him and he was forced into covering his ears and closing his eyes to avoid being told the ending of the latest instalment he had yet to read at the time. Despite his fondness for the books, Kakashi is uncomfortable about reading passages to others (even around his ninken), presumably embarrassed by the adult content, as noted when they were decoding Jiraiya's last message.

Appearance

Kakashi without his mask.

Kakashi is a fit and relatively tall shinobi, with spiky silver hair and dark grey eyes. Since his first jōnin mission, he obtained a small vertical scar running over his left eye (which was soon replaced by a Sharingan). While unknown why, since early childhood, Kakashi has worn a mask over the nose and lower-half of his face. He is revealed, however, to have a narrow jaw-line with a beauty mark under the left corner of his mouth.[63] He is also considered very handsome, as seen from Teuchi and Ayame's reaction to his face.[64]Chiyo once mistook Kakashi for his father, whom he greatly resembles, despite most of his face being obscured.[65] Kakashi's personality is further emphasised by his generally lazy expression, aloof mannerisms, relaxed voice, and minimalist attitude. In serious situations, however, he is shown to have a very stern and intense look.

Kakashi during the Third Shinobi World War.

As a child, Kakashi wore a simple black outfit. He also wore a scarf with a simple design running along its length to the entrance ceremony,[66] which he would later swap out for a plain, green one.[67] As a genin, he wore another simple black outfit along with an open-front apron around his waist and fish-net armour around his ankles.[68] During his early missions as a jōnin, he wore a black T-shirt with white stripes in the middle of the sleeves. On his arms he wore black sleeves with metal arm protectors over them. He also had leather straps around his back and chest, and his family's White Light Chakra Sabre was kept in a small holder in the middle of his back. He also wore pants similar to the ones he wears today. He appears to wear the same type of outfit as a child (as seen in a flashback). However, in another flashback he is shown wearing a sleeveless black shirt similar to one he sometimes wears as an adult, presumably for casual wear. After receiving his Sharingan, Kakashi would tilt his forehead protector to the left, covering up the eye until he was ready to use it.[69] As a teenager, he wore a black body suit with a variation of the wartime variant of Konoha's flak jacket prior to the Nine-Tails' Attack on Konoha.

Kakashi as a jōnin-sensei.

As an Anbu, Kakashi wore the standard uniform, which consisted of a simple blue suit with a grey flack jacket, strapped up sandals, and arm guards. Along with this, he wore plated gloves that went all the way up to his arms with a bandage wrapped around the right one. He wielded a sword and his mask was fashioned to resemble a dog's face with red and black markings around the eyes, sides and mouth. In addition, Kakashi has the Anbu tattoo on his left shoulder, and didn't wear a forehead protector during his time at Anbu. In the anime, after becoming an Anbu captain, he also occasionally wore a brown cloak over his uniform.[39]

While working as part of the regular forces, Kakashi donned the standard jōnin attire: a Konoha flak jacket, dark blue pants and a long-sleeve shirt with the addition of wearing shorter, fingerless gloves with metal plates on the backhand. He also wears a chain necklace.[70] During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kakashi would substitute his Konoha forehead protector for that of the Allied Shinobi Forces. After his Sharingan was stolen by Madara Uchiha, Naruto, using power he obtained from Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, restored Kakashi's original left eye.

Kakashi as the Sixth Hokage.

Two years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kakashi, now the Sixth Hokage, has barely changed in appearance. When on duty, he wears his forehead protector levelled again, exposing both eyes. His boots now reach his calves and his flak jacket is changed to a simple chest-guard that has clipped-on shoulder pads with high collars and a dark blue strap across his waist with rectangular pouch behind the left of his back. On the back of this chest guard, Kakashi has the kanji 六火 (Literally meaning Six Fire) written vertically. In addition, he wears a red armband with the Uzumaki crest over his left bicep. At times, Kakashi would also wear the official Hokage uniform: the traditional headpiece and haori, along with a red, full-length kimono, tied using a white sash and a white mantle around his shoulders. On the backside of his robe, Kakashi has the kanji for Sixth Hokage (六代目火影, Rokudaime Hokage, Literally meaning: Sixth Fire Shadow) written vertically.[71]

Some time after stepping down as Hokage, Kakashi wears a green-coloured variant of his previous chest guard, and has seemingly stopped wearing a forehead protector. He gains slight wrinkles under his eyes, further increasing his resemblance to his father.[72]

Abilities

Kakashi using one of his several unique ninjutsu skills.

Kakashi was noted by Jiraiya and Tsunade as one of the strongest shinobi Konoha has ever produced.[73] Hailed as a prodigy from a young age, he rose rapidly through the ninja ranks,[74] and fought back an entire squad of elite ninja on his own.[75] He is routinely given crucial tasks and missions that would normally take several less experienced ninja to accomplish. His various feats have made him renown within the ninja world, with most enemies growing either afraid or excited at the chance to fight him.[76]S-rank shinobi recognise Kakashi as a dangerous opponent to fight alone; even Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki, viewed him as a major threat to his plans.[77] During the Fourth Shinobi World War, he defeated several famous reincarnated ninja, pressured multiple Version 2 state jinchūriki, and fought evenly with the adult Obito, who gained comparable prowess to Madara Uchiha in his prime.[78][79] After obtaining both Sharingan and Six Paths Chakra from Obito, he could threaten and harm Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, a god-like wielder of chakra.[80] Despite the loss of his Sharingan, Kakashi became the Sixth Hokage, a position for years he was considered for.[81][82]

Taijutsu

Kakashi engages Kakuzu in taijutsu.

Kakashi is very adept in taijutsu. As a child, he was able to hold his own against[83] and defeat several adult elite ninja.[16] His skills improved considerably as an adult to the point where he could easily defeat hundreds of enemies,[84] and fight on par with Might Guy, a taijutsu master. Likewise, Kakashi acquired great skill in Guy's Strong Fist and several of its techniques enough to train others in its usage. He can also open at least one of the Eight Gates,[85] and use advanced techniques derived from it with no signs of fatigue.[84][86] Kakashi's raw strength is notably high, able to clash with the physically strong Zabuza Momochi and his heavy Kubikiribōchō, a weapon he easily wielded later.[87] He could also simultaneously throw Naruto and Sasuke a large distance away and snap Nagato's chakra receiver with his bare hand. He also has high durability and endurance, able to endure Nagato's point-blank Shinra Tensei with little damage and continue fighting afterwards.

Kakashi blitzing Kaguya.

Kakashi has impressive speed, able to easily outpace his friends ever since childhood.[15] As an adult, he can intercept an opponent faster than unfocused eyes can follow even from a distance.[88] His speed allows him to effectively catch his opponents off-guard to quickly strike them down, and silently sneak-up on highly experienced assassins, making him prime to strike.[89] His speed increased considerably in Part II, able to match Itachi, with whom he had trouble keeping up previously. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, he could keep pace with a dōjutsu-bearing Version 2 jinchūriki, and even Guy using six of the Eight Gates. With the Six Paths Chakra, Kakashi blitzed and nearly severed Kaguya's arm in one move, despite having her multipledōjutsu active.[90] Likewise, he has considerable hand seal prowess, able to perform them at highly difficult speeds to follow.[91] He has remarkable reflexes, able to instantly react and effectively manoeuvre out of surreal danger.[92]

Genjutsu

Kakashi subduing Sakura with genjutsu.

Kakashi is very proficient in genjutsu, able to battle the adult Obito, a potent genjutsu user comparable to Shisui Uchiha,[93][94] to a standstill.[95] Normally, he uses this skill as a set-up for stronger attacks. His skill is able to easily deceive most opponents with well-timed diversions, giving them little chance to counter. During the bell test for Team 7, Kakashi was able to use low-level techniques to easily subdue a keen-minded and natural genjutsu-type like Sakura.[96] Against most high-level techniques, he has advanced knowledge of their working, and is able to dispel genjutsu as well.[97]

Ninjutsu

Kakashi using Rasengan.

Kakashi primarily relies on his mastery of ninjutsu, possessing both great skill and knowledge. His proficiency allows him to use multiple techniques at once and in unison with one another to dangerous affect. During childhood, he demonstrated advanced ninjutsu prowess before even entering the Academy.[15] Over the years, due in part to his Sharingan, he gained a vast arsenal; Kakashi is noted to have copied over a thousand techniques.[46] With this arsenal, combined with years of experience, he can handle almost any situation in various amounts of ways. As a student of Minato, Kakashi learned how to use the Rasengan and is skilled enough in its usage to help Naruto perfect it.

After learning the Rasengan but failing to combine it with nature transformation, Kakashi used the same theoretical principle to create the Chidori,[104] and the stronger Lightning Cutter.[105] While normally for close-range, in the anime, Kakashi can disperse this technique to stun his enemies from a distance.[106] Kakashi use a shadow clone to create a lightning chain to increase his attack range and even cut through a "Version 2" jinchūriki's chakra arms.[107] Utilising the Six Paths power, Kakashi is able to enhance his Lighting Cutter, producing a black and more powerful variation of it strong enough to damage the likes of Kaguya.[108] After he was unable to properly use the Lightning Cutter when he lost his Sharingan, Kakashi developed the distance-attack Lightning Release: Purple Electricity to compensate.[109]

Bukijutsu

Kakashi wielding the Kubikiribōchō.

Kakashi is a highly-skilled user in a large variety of weapons such as bows and arrows, kusarigama, chains, wire strings and various others. Since early childhood, Kakashi had highly proficient skill in kenjutsu, able to wield his father's signature tantō effectively enough to be mistaken for Sakumo himself. Due to his Anbu background, his sword skill especially improved and became very adaptable, able to effectively use the Kubikiribōchō,[87] a blade of unique shape with noticeable size and weight, to defeat kenjutsu specialists like the Seven Mist Swordsmen.[115] His skill in shurikenjutsu is considerable, able to pin down an opponent with a quick barrage of kunai and even effectively launch kunai with a well-placed kick.[116] At close-range, he has great dexterity, simultaneously wielding one in each hand. With a single kunai, Kakashi could even fend off skilled melee-fighters such as Zabuza and Hidan armed with their respective unique weapons.

Summoning Technique

Kakashi's ninken.

Kakashi can summon a pack of ninja hounds of various breeds. Much like his combat skills, his use of these summons is highly versatile, ranging from attacking and restraining his opponents. He can combine his Summoning Technique and his Earth Release skills to have his hounds burrow and erupt from the ground in order to help subdue his enemies.[117] Aside from combat purposes, Kakashi's pack is also highly skilled in tracking down targets,[118][119] and delivering messages.

Dōjutsu

Sharingan

Kakashi's Sharingan.

Kakashi's most distinguishing ability was his Sharingan, which was given to him by Obito Uchiha to replace his own damaged left eye. Kakashi has gained much worldwide fame and recognition his usage of its various abilities as Kakashi of the Sharingan (写輪眼のカカシ, Sharingan no Kakashi). He had especially high skill and strength in its usage even compared to most true Sharingan wielders as noted by various prominent Uchiha.[120][121][122] Likewise, he was selected to develop both Sasuke and Itachi's Sharingan.[74] Kakashi has been noted to have copied over one thousand jutsu with his Sharingan, also becoming known as the Copy Ninja (コピー忍者, Kopī Ninja). Kakashi could perform debilitating genjutsu with simple eye contact and even battle back an adult Obito through a repeated stalemate of illusionary fighting.[123] The Sharingan also granted Kakashi advanced analysis of the environment, and predicting his opponent's next move.[124] With his heightened visual perception to his surroundings, Kakashi was able to perfect his Chidori and Lightning Cutter with no fear of blindsides.

When he first received it, Kakashi's Sharingan only had two tomoe. Later, the traumatic loss of Rin Nohara at his own hand caused Kakashi's Sharingan to fully mature.[125] Because he is not of direct Uchiha heritage, Kakashi was unable to deactivate this dōjutsu. This forced him keep it covered when not needed as it also consumed much greater chakra reserves than an Uchiha, leaving him bedridden if overused. Because of this, Kakashi only relied on it when absolute necessary. In Part I, he could only handle using it for a short while in battle before suffering somewhat crippling effects and severe fatigue.[126] In Part II, his efficiency with maintaining it greatly increased, able to use it for seemingly an entire day without any adverse effects.

During Fourth Shinobi World War, Madara stole Kakashi's Sharingan.[127] After Obito died with both his original eyes, he used Kamui to briefly return to the living world. Entering Kakashi's subconscious, he transferred his chakra and both Sharingan to Kakashi, whose left eye had been restored by Naruto.[128] Manifesting both Sharingan, he could use their power to the full potential.[129] With the Six Paths Chakra Obito transferred to Kakashi, the Sharingan's power was further increased.[130] After Obito departed for the Pure Land, his Sharingan faded from Kakashi's eyes.

Mangekyō Sharingan

Kakashi's Mangekyō Sharingan.

Originally, Kakashi awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan after unintentionally killing Rin.[125] Its design is three stretched triangles spaced around the pupil that each curve at the top around the eye to form a circle, making it similar to a pinwheel. After Kakashi lost the transplanted eye, Obito transferred his full dōjutsu's power into Kakashi, and with it the ability to manifest the Mangekyō Sharingan in both his original eyes. With this dōjutsu, Kakashi can perform Kamui, a space-time technique that sends targets to another dimension and also brings them back; even transporting them to a new location.

Kakashi using Kamui's long-ranged ability on Deidara.

Each eye possesses a different variation of Kamui. With his left eye, Kakashi could create a barrier from a distance to warp targets within his line of sight. While initially having difficulty to accurately hit moving targets,[131] his skill and aim would later improve greatly. He could successfully warp small, fast-moving, or multiple targets in rapid succession,[132][133] or even much larger targets as to behead the massive Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, failing only because of Obito's intervention.[134] His new finesse also allowed him to safely warp chakra-based techniques, like the Rasengan or shadow clones at such speed to fool others into believing the techniques were dispelled.[135][136] Ultimately, Obito, the originator of Kakashi's technique, openly acknowledged Kakashi's great skill with Kamui.[122] After learning of the connection between both eyes, Kakashi could later teleport himself with the left eye,[137] and precisely choose a location to return to.[138]

Kakashi uses Kamui to phase through Kaguya's attack.

With his right eye, Kakashi can perform the short-ranged Kamui. With it, akin to intangibility, Kakashi can overlap any and all parts of his body with Kamui's dimension, making all other targets seamlessly pass through him and leaving him completely unharmed.[139] When used in conjunction with offensive techniques, Kakashi can allow portioned parts of his body to remain tangible, while the rest intangible, to remove nearly all risk of counter-attacks. He is also very knowledgeable of the other Mangekyō Sharingan techniques,[140][141] as well as the risks the dōjutsu poses to the user's eyesight.[142]

Kakashi's Complete Body — Susanoo.

From manifesting the Mangekyō form in each of his own eyes, Kakashi also became able to perform Susanoo. While just recently obtained, Kakashi could fully manifest it and stabilise it into its Complete Body form. In this form, it is able to fly and despite its immense size, has enough dexterity to carefully hold someone in its hand and move about extremely fast.[143] When needed, Susanoo can carry others inside it alongside Kakashi. It can also manifest a sword or shuriken, able to use the latter in unison with Kamui to warp whatever targets they hit to another location.

Because he is not of Uchiha heritage, Kakashi's chakra requirements for his Mangekyō techniques is considerably higher, and initially had to be hospitalised for a week after using it three times in one day.[144][145] By the Fourth Great Shinobi War, Kakashi's could use it five times, three of which in quick succession (along with multiple other chakra-taxing techniques) and still had enough strength left to fight and use it at least a few more times. Even after just starting to experience the immediate side effects, Kakashi quickly recovered from them somewhat. At the same time, repeated use of Kamui strained Kakashi's Sharingan, ultimately causing it to bleed. By the time Madara had become the Ten-Tails' jinchūriki, Kakashi noted that he could barely see out of the eye and needed to get within close-range to accurately use Kamui. After gaining the ability to manifest the Sharingan within his own eyes and some of the Six Paths power, Kakashi no longer showed any burden on his body, sight, or chakra reserves from using Kamui, allowing him to perform the technique multiple times with no apparent problems.

Intelligence

Repeatedly, Kakashi has proven to be a very shrewd and resourceful man, regularly having his opinion asked for by Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage. While still a young child, Kakashi's instincts could detect a hiding enemy's presence, impressing his sensei, Minato,[146] and in the anime deceive Orochimaru, greatly injuring the Sannin in the process.[43] Kakashi has even been noted to be smarter than Shikamaru Nara, a ninja well-known for his insightful and calculating nature.[91] Kakashi is noted to be very persuasive speaker. He is very capable in deception, regularly using his opponents' own tactics against them. He is also adept at discerning the emotional nature of people and determining the source of their emotions.[147] Kakashi has undeniable perceptive and analytical skills,[148] able to quickly and single-handedly deduce the workings of the most mysterious enemy techniques and near instantly plot successful diversions in order to verify his theories (most of the time proving them correct). He is aided, in this regard, by his calm personality, which allows him to handle a given situation with some detachment. Kakashi is also shown very intuitive, correctly guessing that Hanabi Hyūga's kidnapping and the breaking apart of the moon were related despite having little evidence.[149]

His long career as a jōnin, Anbu, and later Hokage has only expanded his knowledge, allowing him to handle virtually any situation. For these reasons, Kakashi has been assigned to a variety of teams — always as the leader — and he is always able to work well with his team-mates. Chōza Akimichi attributes Kakashi's success to his approach to battles: he avoids direct combat by using misdirection and clones until he can determine the opponent's skills, at which point he modifies his tactics to fit the situation.[150] Kakashi's leadership abilities were even acknowledged by Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki. Kakashi has also shown repeatedly to be a highly capable teacher. He has come up with various unorthodox methods to help his students produce impressive leaps in their abilities in weeks what would normally take months if not years of intense training.

Chakra Prowess

Kakashi has very strong chakra, such that it becomes visible when moulded.[151] Before entering the Academy, he could already perform very chakra-taxing techniques.[15] Despite its natural strength, Kakashi's reserves and stamina were initially average, suffering physical exhaustion and debilitation from overusing his Sharingan, as well as using his Lightning Cutter only four times a day. However, his refined chakra control allowed him to use techniques to their highest level with only the minimum necessary chakra. He could also perform techniques with few to no hand seals.

In Part II, Kakashi's improved chakra levels allowed him to maintain his Sharingan for an entire day and quickly utilise several chakra-taxing techniques unfazed, including his Lightning Cutter at least six times. Most notably with his Kamui technique, he originally could only use it three times before being left crippled for over a week. By the Fourth Shinobi World War, he could fight throughout an entire day before using Kamui multiple times in quick succession, among other chakra-taxing techniques in the war's climax. After receiving both Sharingan and the Six Paths Power from Obito, Kakashi's chakra reserves became great enough to manifest a Complete Body — Susanoo and use Kamui multiple times with no signs of fatigue.[152]

Other Skills

Kakashi using the Evil Sealing Method on Sasuke's Cursed Seal of Heaven.

A man who epitomises versatility, Kakashi's expertise is not limited to the three major ninja skill sets; he is renowned for his tracking abilities and has otherwise displayed proficiency with trap-making, medical, survival, escapism, stealth, subterfuge, and assassination. Kakashi is also noted to have a better sense of smell than Kiba Inuzuka in Part I, a noteworthy member of a clan with canine-like senses.[91] Even without sight, Kakashi is still a highly formidable fighter, able to use his other senses and knowledge of his surroundings, allies, and enemies to perceive the situation and overwhelm his opponents.[29] He has also developed considerable prowess in fūinjutsu and likewise understanding of juinjutsu, which impressed Orochimaru, given Kakashi's age.[153] Even without the Transformation Technique, Kakashi highly skilled in disguise. Able effectively alter his appearance and mannerisms with simple cosmetics and such, he can spend extended periods of time with people close to him while remaining undiscovered.[63]

Stats

Part I

Prologue — Land of Waves

The official team photo for Team 7.

Kakashi later learned of his next potential Team 7 — which consisted of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. In the anime he visited their homes accompanied by Hiruzen. Kakashi was chosen specifically by Hiruzen Sarutobi to be the leader of Team 7 because of Naruto and Sasuke. Kakashi's duty in addition to training the team was also to keep the Nine-Tails in Naruto contained. As for Sasuke, Kakashi was tasked with ensuring the rage-filled ninja does not tread a dark path plus help him awaken and master his Sharingan, since they had similar traits that would allow Kakashi to better understand him. Kakashi questioned Hiruzen about the nature of his team, who voiced his belief that Kakashi could help them understand true team-work. He was also met with by Tenzō, who noted a positive change in Kakashi and reminded his senior he was late to meet his new students. Upon meeting them, noticing that an eraser was set up to hit him as a prank, Kakashi let it happen to test his new students' respective personalities and was displeased, noting no signs of teamwork.[74]

During the test, each of the young ninja try their own methods to getting a bell, only for Kakashi to easily defeat them. After Team 7 failed their test, Kakashi was quick to express his displeasure at their performance and that true goal was team-work. After explaining the importance of team-work and seeing how ashamed they were at their performance, Kakashi decided to give Team 7 one more chance to act as a team, and let them take a break for lunch. However, Naruto, having earlier tried to steal their lunches, was forbidden to eat with a severe penalty for anybody feeding him. When he watches Sasuke and Sakura giving Naruto their food to have him in peak condition from afar, he was amazed at the sudden change, impressed with their decision and decided to test their commitment. Determined to make his rookie team proud, Kakashi immediately confronted them while feigning anger.[74] As the trio defiantly stand up to him on the grounds that they are a team, a delighted Kakashi passes them on the ground they placed loyalty amongst comrades first, finally able to start putting his own demons to rest.

After completing a number of D-rank missions, Team 7, at Naruto's insistence get assigned a somewhat more difficult C-rank task of escorting the bridge-builder Tazuna to the Land of Waves. Noticing they were about to be ambushed en route by the Demon Brothers, Kakashi faked his death to determine if their target was his team or Tazuna. Easily defeated them upon seeing them attempt to kill the bridge builder, Kakashi realised that Tazuna has not been completely honest of the mission and threatens Tazuna to tell them the truth. After hearing Tazuna's goal to build a bridge to free his country from the tyranny of Gatō, despite the mission now being more of an A-rank or B-rank, Kakashi decides for his group to remain until the bridge was complete.

Kakashi vs. Zabuza.

Upon arriving in the Land of Waves, Team 7 was attacked by Zabuza Momochi, a missing-nin of Kirigakure and former Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist member who is under Gatō's employment. Despite his Sharingan, combined with his need to protect his students from the more experienced ninja, Kakashi finds himself trapped in a water prison. Luckily, Naruto and Sasuke orchestrate a gambit to free him. From there, using both his Sharingan and psychological warfare, Kakashi placed Zabuza at a disadvantage until a young Kirigakure hunter-nin named Haku stepped in and appeared to kill Zabuza before dragging him away for disposal. While forced to recuperate from his Sharingan overuse, Kakashi realises that Haku might have faked Zabuza's death to save him, deciding to train Team 7 in perfecting their chakra control for a week until they can resume bodyguard duty.

Kakashi kills the human shield Haku.

Once at the bridge, Kakashi's suspicions are confirmed when Team 7 is confronted by Zabuza and Haku. While their wards battle, Kakashi once more battles Zabuza as he learned to counter him with his Hiding in Mist Technique to keep him from falling prey to Kakashi's Sharingan. In response, Kakashi summons his ninkenunderground to locate and pin down Zabuza to finish him off with a Lightning Cutter. However, Haku uses himself as a human shield and took the fatal blow intended for Zabuza. But despite Haku's sacrifice, Kakashi had the upper hand until Gatō and his crew arrive to wipe out everyone. After seeing the gravely wounded Zabuza managing to kill Gatō, Kakashi used his Multiple Shadow Clone Technique to scare the other criminals. As Zabuza died, he asked Kakashi to bring his body beside Haku's before he passed away. As Naruto tells Kakashi Haku was born in a "snowy village", Kakashi believes Zabuza really will go to where Haku has gone. Kakashi buried them alongside each other before returning to Konoha with Team 7, as the bridge is completed.

In the anime, Team Kakashi noticed an Anbu team escorting a street performer into the village who Inoichi revealed was intact a ninja from the Jōmae Village. After learning Kakashi had history with Hanare, he decided that he would gather intel on her. As Kakashi began to get Hanare to open up, she revealed how she met Kakashi. Kakashi's students who were spying, came crashing out of the tree, landing on Kakashi and Hanare causing them to accidentally kiss, and in the process revealing his Sharingan. Later, Konoha received word that the Jōmae Village had captured a Konoha ninja and demanded an exchange for Hanare. At the exchange, a trap was set, forcing both sides to engage in battle leading to Kakashi going after Hanare. Upon cornering her, Kakashi revealed that he knows Hanare has a special mind reading technique that lets her look into an individual's mind and used it to read Inoichi's mind while he probed her. Kakashi realised this when his Sharingan was accidentally revealed and copied her technique. After expressing her enjoyment while in Konoha, Kakashi decided not to kill her and chose to let her go.[154]

Later in the anime, a ninja named Sabiru proposed a new defence system for the village while Kakashi was one of the guards for the meeting for the proposed plan. While Kakashi and the Third Hokage had their suspicions, the council was about to vote to pass Sabiru's proposal but were interrupted by Kisuke Maboroshi, an Anbu who suspected Sabiru of treason. After learning that it wasn't Kisuke, Kakashi followed him as the imposter ran. After learning the intruder was Naruto, the two worked together and tricked Sabiru into confessing his crimes but an unknown assailant killed him before they could take action.

Later in the anime, Team 7 was assigned to retrieve a golden statue stolen by bandits and decided to ambush them, leading to Kakashi going solo while his students attacked from a separate location. After reuniting, Kakashi speculated that Naruto and Sasuke after they recovered the statue, could of melted it, in an effort to restore it. After the two got stuck to each other by Jako's, liquid chakra technique, they bickered for a few days while Kakashi smiled to himself at how far their bond has come despite their differences.[155]

Chūnin Exams

Kakashi and the other jōnin stop Neji from killing Hinata.

Feeling his students were ready, Kakashi entered Team 7 in the Chūnin Exams, despite some initial disapproval from other elite ninja. After his victory in the exam's preliminary stage, Kakashi noticed that Sasuke was branded with Orochimaru's Cursed Seal of Heaven during the exam's second phase in the Forty-Fourth Training Ground. After a brief confrontation with Orochimaru himself, Kakashi used the Evil Sealing Method to try and prevent its usage. In the month of preparation allowed before the final stage of the exam, Kakashi decided to personally train Sasuke after realising how much Orochimaru desired him. In an attempt to deter Sasuke from using the Cursed Seal's power and to reinforce his sense of fraternity and self-worth, Kakashi taught Sasuke his first original technique: the Chidori. In addition to this, Kakashi helped Sasuke hone his body to the point that he could handle the taijutsu techniques he had copied from Rock Lee. After deciding to give him some last minute training, Sasuke and Kakashi arrived late to the finals, seconds away from what would have meant a forfeiture to Gaara, Sasuke's opponent.

Konoha Crush

When Sunagakure and Otogakure's Konoha Crush began during Sasuke's match, Kakashi released a genjutsu along with Might Guy and Sakura, and helped repel the invaders along with Guy. They ended up having several contests to see who could defeat the most Suna and Oto-nin, although Guy usually won. When he noticed that Sasuke was going after Gaara, Kakashi sent Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru Nara, and Pakkun to stop him and bring him back. After defeating several Suna and Oto-nin, he is briefly seen with Guy, Aoba and Kurenai. After the failed Invasion, he attends Hiruzen's funeral, mourning his loss, he listens to Iruka's words at the funeral and thinks how sad it would be if the Third Hokage had died for nothing.

Search for Tsunade

Kakashi trapped in Itachi's Tsukuyomi.

Shortly after the invasion was prevented, Kakashi comes to the aid of Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yūhi when they nearly got killed by Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki when they arrived to the village. Having learned of Akatsuki from Jiraiya, Kakashi was able to hold his own against Itachi until falling to his opponent's Tsukuyomi. Severely weakened by the technique, Kakashi confirmed that Itachi and Kisame are after Naruto before losing consciousness. Before they could take him, Kakashi is saved by Guy's arrival with the Akatsuki members driven off. Kakashi was left in a coma after what happened, and was not revived until Tsunade returned to the village. Immediately after recovering, he was sent on a new mission.

In the anime, one of his missions was to survey the Valley of Judgement for an eye medical plant. Later, Kakashi and Guy discovered Naruto, Sakura and Neji looking for the plant to aid Hinata's eye recovery. When the genin were attacked by the inhabited people, Kakashi and Guy acted, driving them away. Afterwards, Kakashi stated that there was no point pursing the plant as the people of this valley have spent countless years there to the point they have lost their eyesight and afterwards returned to Konoha.[156] In another mission, to further strengthen the new alliance between the Konoha and Sunagakure, Team Kakashi joined a Suna ninja team that included Gaara. On their way to their mission, they were attacked by a group of Suna ninja determined to kill Gaara. While understanding their intentions, Kakashi did not agree with them and attacked. After defeating the enemy, Kakashi and his team made their way to the bandit's stronghold and destroyed it, succeeding in their mission.[157]

Later in the anime, Team 7 went on a mission with Team 10 to rescue the granddaughter of a Village Headman who was kidnapped by bandits under Baji command. After being taken to the entrance cave of Baji's headquarters by a former member named Tōfu and learning the layout of the their base, it was decided between Kakashi and Shikamaru to only have the jōnin enter while the genin stay behind. Once Kakashi and Asuma reunited back with the genin and learned of what they got up to in their absence, Kakashi congratulated Shikamaru for his plan and succession in completing the mission.[158] Later, Tsunade assigned Team 7 a mission to locate and discover the plans of a missing-nin named Sadai. It was decided that Kakashi would take Sasuke alone for this mission while Naruto and Sakura were sent to escort Naho who was a relative of the Fire Daimyō. Later, Kakashi and Sasuke found and infiltrated Sadai's base where they learned he planned to kidnap Naho. With Pakkun's help they were able to find Naruto and Sakura's trail, but not before they were taken captive by Sadai's gang. With the scents mixed up, Kakashi summoned another ninken and split up with Sasuke following Pakkun. Sasuke ended up finding Sadai first. Kakashi arrived in time to stop Sasuke from beating Sadai to death, reminding Sasuke they should bring him back for questioning. Still steaming, Sasuke left and returned to the village, much to Kakashi annoyance.[159]

Sasuke Recovery Mission

Kakashi lecturing Sasuke.

Before setting out on his mission, Kakashi stops a battle between Naruto and Sasuke. Learning that Sasuke had relapsed into desiring revenge, Kakashi lectures the youth that the Chidori was designed to protect friends — not attack them. Despite encouraging Sasuke to place greater importance on friendship, Kakashi learned upon his return that his student has defected and a squad of genin, led by Shikamaru, has been sent out to retrieve him and deal with Orochimaru’s Sound Four. Ignoring the fact that he had a new mission out of guilt of being too naive about the tension between his students, Kakashi rushed out to track down Sasuke and the retrieval team. Using his ninken, Kakashi was able to locate a defeated Naruto, with Sasuke long gone. Unable to pursue Sasuke because of a fresh rainfall and due to Naruto's current condition, Kakashi took Naruto back to the village to recover, saddened that he failed to help his students.

Mizuki Tracking Mission

In the anime, when each of Kakashi's students became the apprentice of one of the Sannin each, it effectively disbanded Team 7. As such, Kakashi returned to performing several high-ranking missions or training to further refine and enhance his abilities for the inevitable battle against Akatsuki for the next three years. During one of his returns from a mission, arrived in time to recapture some of the prisoners that had escaped from prison when Mizuki led a breakout.

Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission

In the anime, he was sent to assist with the Cursed Warrior incident in the Land of Birds. While not officially his mission and arriving much later, Kakashi realised the situation wasn't as it seemed, and ultimately took command of the team, thereby deciding to investigate. This led to Kakashi's fight with Hōki's minions, Nagare and Hokushin, whom he defeated with relative ease.

Sunagakure Support Mission

In the anime, Kakashi was sent to spy on the Takumi Village when rumours of an uprising reached Konoha. There, he discovered the entire village abandoned, and the corpses missing. He later showed up as reinforcements, along with Jiraiya, to aid Naruto and the rest of the genin in helping Sunagakure, only to discover that Naruto's team had already successfully completed their mission.

Interlude

In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths

About two years later, Tsunade and the newly appointed Kazekage, Gaara, decided to host together an early Chūnin Exams with a second secret agenda of hoping to lure out the Akatsuki. As Kakashi assisted Tsunade in setting this up, Kakashi was also instructed to personally deliver an invitation for the impromptu Chūnin Exams to Amegakure, using this as an excuse to enter the village with less suspicion while Kakashi would investigate the rumour circulating around the village.[160] Upon arriving at the village, he was quickly halted by the guards. After convincing them he was here on civil business, he was allowed to meet with Hanzō and deliver the invitation, unaware that it was actually Konan in disguise.[161] Afterwards, while seemingly leaving the village, Kakashi snuck back in to begin his mission. Almost immediately, however, Kakashi realised guards were looking for him and while they didn't know it was him specifically or where he was, the guards were clearly aware of his activity from the beginning. Deciding to play it safe as Tsunade ordered, Kakashi quickly escaped the village and reported to the Hokage upon returning to Konoha.[162]

Part II

Kazekage Rescue Mission

Knowing that Naruto would return soon from his training under Jiraiya, Kakashi was tasked by Tsunade to test the genin's improved skills along with Sakura and her training under Tsunade. After Naruto's return to the village, he gave Kakashi the newest edition to the Icha-Icha series, much to his glee. Later, Kakashi had Naruto and Sakura take another bell test, with the real objective being to actually capture the bells, to see how much they have improved. When they were unable to get close enough to Kakashi to each take a bell, Naruto and Sakura resorted to trying to spoil the plot of the most recent Icha-Icha novel, throwing Kakashi off guard and allowing them to take the bells.

Kakashi faces off against "Itachi".

When word reached Konoha that Gaara had been kidnapped by Akatsuki, Team Kakashi was sent to rescue Gaara. Upon arrival in Sunagakure, they are teamed with Chiyo before following Akatsuki's trail. Along the way, they encountered Itachi. As Kakashi was able to fight on even grounds, he noticed that Itachi's performance wasn't somewhat off. With a well-timed manoeuvre, Kakashi was able to trick and restrain Itachi, giving Naruto the opening needed to finish the fight with his Big Ball Rasengan. Afterwards, they discovered that the Itachi was only a lookalike. They then met up with Team Guy, which was sent as back-up to Team Kakashi, outside an Akatsuki lair. Because there is a barrier over the entrance, Team Guy went to take down the barrier. This allowed Team Kakashi to infiltrate the lair, where they found Sasori, Deidara and Gaara.

Deidara flew off with Gaara's body, with Naruto and Kakashi in pursuit, leaving Sasori to Sakura and Chiyo. While pursuing Deidara, Kakashi tried to use his Kamui in an attempt to remove his head, but his aim was too poor and he was only able to sever an arm. Nevertheless, Naruto was able to retrieve Gaara. With Naruto successful, Deidara tried to use a Suicide Bombing Clone to escape. Kakashi used Kamui again to get rid of the explosion, saving himself and his allies. Having recovered Gaara's body, Chiyo transferred her life to revive Gaara. With Team Kakashi and Guy completing their mission, they return home. Because Kakashi used Kamui too much, Guy prompted to carry him on his back, to the disgust of the rest of the two teams except for Lee who offered to do the same with Neji. Afterwards Kakashi is left bed-ridden for a week.

Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission

Kakashi, a bit disorientated, was brought back to Konohagakure by Guy and rushed to the hospital to recover from the strain of using his Mangekyō Sharingan. Ordered bed rest for at least a week, Tenzō, now working under the codename "Yamato", goes in his stead as Team Kakashi's leader to capture Sasori's spy. Before the mission began, Kakashi learned the horror that awaited if Naruto was allowed to reach the fourth-tail of the Nine-Tails chakra cloak; Jiraiya had received a near-fatal blow to the chest during training with Naruto in that form. He was later hooked up to an IV, complaining that he wanted to eat solid foods.[163]

Twelve Guardian Ninja

Upon recovering and learning of Sasuke's new growth, Kakashi devised a plan to help Naruto catch up to Sasuke as this method would only work for Naruto; Naruto would train alongside thousands of shadow clones as his immense chakra reserves would allow him to maintain the clones for several hour and once dispersing, all the accumulated experience from the clones would be transferred to Naruto. The goal of this training to help Naruto create a new ultimate technique for him and potentially allow Naruto to surpass Kakashi himself. Once determining that Naruto's natural chakra type was wind, Kakashi also had Yamato assist by regulating the Nine-Tails' chakra inside Naruto so they could use it without fear of it getting out of control.

Akatsuki Suppression Mission

After resuming training with Naruto, Kakashi revealed that this training was to allow Naruto to combine his Wind chakra with his Rasengan to create a brand new technique attempted by the Fourth Hokage; to demonstrate his point, Kakashi showed Naruto that he could perform the Rasengan as well, but couldn't add his Lightning chakra to it. Upon hearing that Asuma Sarutobi had been killed in a battle with Akatsuki, Kakashi decided to lead Team 10 in avenging him, as Naruto had already advanced in his training beyond needing Kakashi's assistance. He left Yamato in charge of overseeing Naruto's training, and had Shikamaru work with him in the plan of attack.

Kakashi destroys one of Kakuzu's hearts.

When they located Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu, Shikamaru and Chōji engaged the two, allowing Kakashi to observe from a distance and waited for an opportunity to join the battle. Before the Akatsuki pair could make a counter attack, Kakashi impaled Kakuzu with his Lightning Cutter and took some of his blood, as per Shikamaru's strategy. Believing to have killed him, Kakashi focused his attention towards Hidan but was intercepted by Kakuzu and attacked. Kakuzu revealed that he had a total of five hearts, one of which (the earth heart) Kakashi had already destroyed. Beginning their counterattack, Kakuzu took advantage of his partner's immortality and attacked the both while Kakashi was preoccupied with Hidan. After blocking Kakuzu's lightning attack, Kakashi fought Hidan again while being attacked by Kakuzu's hearts which launched a barrage of elemental techniques at Kakashi. Unable to assist Team 10, Kakashi created a shadow clone and used it as a decoy while he came to their aid.

Regrouping, they realised that the Akatsuki duo were seemingly unstoppable when together, so the team decided to separate them, with Kakashi handing a capsule filled with Kakuzu's blood to Shikamaru and the latter leading Hidan away. Confronting Kakuzu head on, Kakashi was overwhelmed by his elemental combinations and eventually was pinned down by Kakuzu. Before being able to steal Kakashi's heart, Kakuzu lost his remaining water heart to Shikimaru's strategy after Kakashi's had given him the capsule of blood to use in his partners curse technique. While Hidan fell to Shikamaru, Kakuzu intended on taking Kakashi's and the remaining members of Team 10's hearts to replace the ones he lost, with three hearts remaining intact. In the nick of time, Naruto and the rest of Team Kakashi came to their aid.

Kakashi listening to Kakuzu's last words before killing him.

Using his new Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, Naruto was able to crack Kakuzu's fire and wind hearts, leaving Kakuzu defeated. This gave Kakashi the opportunity to finally finish the Akatsuki member off with another Lightning Cutter. As Kakuzu wondered how he could have been defeated by the likes of them, Kakashi told him before killing him how the next generation will always surpass the current one. Kakashi along with Yamato are later summoned to Kakuzu's autopsy by Tsunade who labels Naruto's new technique as a kinjutsu and orders that he never uses it again because of the detrimental side-effects. Afterwards Kakashi finds Naruto at Ramen Ichiraku and ends up having to feed him his noodles. As Kakashi attempts to tell him what Tsunade says, Naruto interrupts him telling him not to stop him from progressing.

Three-Tails' Appearance

In the anime, after Kakashi was assigned to lead Team 8 in tracking down Orochimaru after learning of his new base. During the mission, they found a number of people trapped in crystals. Later, Kakashi's team was attacked by Orochimaru's minions, and trapped by Guren's crystal labyrinth. Ultimately, the combined assistance from Team Yamato broke down the labyrinth and escape. They soon discovered that the enemy was after the Three-Tails that was located in the nearby lake and were used a young boy named Yūkimaru who had an unusual power over the tailed beast.

After receiving backup from Konoha, Kakashi focused their efforts to seal the beast and retrieve Yūkimaru. Their efforts were ultimately foiled by Guren and her men interrupting the sealing, letting the Three-Tails escape. Later, after Guren's men were defeated and Yūkimaru was treated. The Konoha-nin were ordered to return to the village. On the night before the team returned, Yūkimaru left. While aware of Yūkimaru's departure, Kakashi chose not to stop or pursue him, believing that Yūkimaru was no longer in any danger or a danger to them.

Itachi Pursuit Mission

Team 7 and 8 set out to pursue Itachi.

When word of Orochimaru's defeat at the hands of Sasuke reached Konoha, Kakashi tried to make another attempt at retrieving Sasuke. He assembled the members of Team Kakashi and Team Kurenai (minus Kurenai) into an Eight Man Squad, and set out to locate either Sasuke or his brother, Itachi.

Fated Battle Between Brothers

Kiba and Naruto were eventually able to find Sasuke's location, and the team gave chase, only to be delayed by Tobi. Their efforts to attack Tobi all proved futile because of Tobi's unique teleporting technique. It was not until Zetsu reported to Tobi that Sasuke had killed Itachi that they were able to continue their pursuit. Before Tobi disappeared, Kakashi noticed, to his shock, a Sharingan on Tobi. Despite the team's haste, Tobi got to Sasuke first and, having lost the trail, were forced to return home.

Six-Tails Unleashed

Pain's Assault

Kakashi was present in Tsunade's office where Fukasaku told the room at large, including Naruto, that Jiraiya was killed by the leader of the Akatsuki. Kakashi left Naruto alone to mourn for his loss but later helped the decoders decipher Jiraiya's message using a clue from the latest Icha-Icha instalment, much to Kakashi's extreme discomfort and Shikamaru's embarrassment. While Naruto left the village to learn senjutsu, Kakashi prepared himself for an Akatsuki attack.

Kakashi confronts Pain.

When Akatsuki's leader, Pain, attacked Konoha in search of Naruto, Kakashi confronted Pain's Deva Path, after realising that the initial attack was a diversion. After saving Iruka Umino and letting him escape, Kakashi immediately brakes his chakra rod and erects a wall to corner him. The Deva path then impales Kakashi with his Chakra Disruption Blade, resulting in Kakashi missing his target with his Lightning Cutter. Pain commented that is what an honour meeting the copy ninja and asked where Naruto was. Refusing to answer, Kakashi attempted to attack Pain with his Lighting cutter again, only to be repelled by a gravitational-manipulation technique, causing a huge explosion which was noticed by Chōza Akimichi's group.

After being buried in ruble from Pain's last attack, Kakashi created a clone to analyse his opponents ability. The clone started off by launching an attack at the Deva Path, only to be repelled and realises that not only physical attacks could be repel but also ninjutsu. After wondering how he could combat the issue, he was approached by another Akatsuki to aid the Deva Path. His new opponent immediately fired rockets towards Kakashi. After dodging the attacks, Kakashi used the dust to sneak behind the Asura Path and attempted to attack his blind spot, but was puzzled when he dodged. After noticing that the other Path had been watching from a distance, Kakashi remembered that all the paths vision were linked. After retreating a few feet, the Deva Path began using a similar gravitational ability as before, but instead Kakashi began being pulled towards his opponent.

Kakashi using a clone to analyse Pain's ability.

Unable to resist the force, Kakashi gets impaled by the Asura Path, leading to the clone stunning his attacker before dispersing. After being distracted by the clone, Chōza managed to seamlessly defeat the Asura Path. Having being backed up with reinforcements, Kakashi emerges from the rubble and rejoins the fight. After commenting that he had already used over half his chakra, the Deva Path advances towards the group and repels all their attacks and defeat everyone except Chōji and Chōza. After figuring out the Deva Path's powers, Kakashi devised a plan, and used Chōji and Chōza's help to take down the Deva Path. Kakashi then buried chains in the ground and waited for their opponent to approach. When the Deva Path was close enough, Kakashi attacked from underneath but was repelled, leading to Chōji and Chōza to attack. After they found themselves being repelled, they implement Kakashi strategy and restricted the Deva Path's body with chains. Having successfully initiated the plan, Kakashi attempts to finally defeat their opponent but was intercepted by the Asura path, who took the attack instead. Having enough time to use his ability again, the Deva Path repelled everyone.

Kakashi falls against Pain.

Trapped and unable to move, the Deva Path notes that he is too great of a threat to be left alive. Taking caution not to approach Kakashi, he sends a nail flying towards Kakashi from a distance, to which Kakashi activates his Mangekyō Sharingan and warps away the nail with Kamui. Not having noticed Kakashi intervention, the Deva Path leaves believing all his opponents are dead. When he came to, Kakashi sent Chōji to tell Tsunade about the Deva Path's abilities. But as Chōji left, the still-active Asura Path launched a missile at him. Despite knowing that he was almost out of chakra, and would likely die if he used his Mangekyō Sharingan again, Kakashi used Kamui to dispose of the missile and save Chōji. Having expended the last of his chakra, Kakashi died, and his soul left his body. He lamented on how he failed to protect Rin and soon found himself at a campfire with his deceased father, Sakumo, to whom he tells his life story upon request from his father.

During Pain's destruction of Konoha, Kakashi's body was protected by one of Katsuyu's divisions. After finishing the recount of his life, he stated that he finally understood why his father had chosen to save his friends and was now proud of him for it. Their conversation was halted when a ray of light beamed down upon Kakashi, as a result of Nagato's Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique. Before seeing his son depart, Sakumo thanked Kakashi, and declared that he would now be able to join his wife. Kakashi then woke up in the Konoha battlefield, with Chōji shocked. As Kakashi wondered what happened, a Katsuyu division explained to him the series of events that had occurred. After the invasion came to an end, Kakashi fetched Naruto and brought him back to a massive welcoming party at Konoha. There, he complimented Naruto on finally achieving his goal to be accepted and appreciated by the whole village.

Five Kage Summit

Kakashi and Yamato restrain Tobi.

When news reaches Konoha of Sasuke's actions in the Land of Lightning, Naruto asks Kakashi and Yamato to take him to the Land of Iron so that he can ask the Fourth Raikage to forgive Sasuke. Before leaving, Kakashi asks Sai to keep their departure a secret from Danzō, the acting Hokage while Tsunade is in a coma. They locate the Raikage, but Naruto is unable to convince him. During their stay at a motel in the Land of Iron, Tobi confronts Naruto. Having expected him, Kakashi and Yamato attack him. Knowing the attacks will have no effect, Tobi tells them about Sasuke's motivations, the Sage of the Six Paths, the Uchiha clan, and the truth of Itachi. Kakashi then asks what Tobi's own motives are, but receives only the answer of "to be complete" before Tobi disappears.

Sai and Sakura follow Naruto to the Land of Iron and Sakura tells Naruto that she loves him and Kakashi watches on in disappointment and stops an angered Yamato from interrupting, trusting Naruto to handle it. Like Naruto, Kakashi suspects that this is not the real reason they came, which is confirmed by one of Sai's ink clones. Sakura, as agreed upon by the other members of the Konoha 11, is going to kill Sasuke before he involves Konoha in a future war in any way possible. Knowing that she is no match for Sasuke and possibly understanding that he is most likely the only one she'll listen to in her current mental state, Kakashi prepares to follow her. At that moment, Gaara arrives and tells them about the start of the Fourth Shinobi World War and Danzō's actions at the Kage Summit. He adds that the other Kage would prefer if Kakashi were the Hokage. When Gaara leaves, the ink clone guides Kakashi to Sakura.

Kakashi saves Sakura from Sasuke's attack.

The ink clone disperses en route when Sakura neutralises the real Sai. Kakashi finds her in time to stop Sasuke from killing her and tells her that, as Sasuke's teacher, and believing himself to be the cause for the team's falling out after once making after an empty promise to her that everything would be okay, he will be the one to kill him. Kakashi makes one final attempt to draw Sasuke away from a life of vengeance, but Sasuke menacingly responds by saying that only by bringing his entire clan back would he stop. Kakashi tells Sakura to leave with Karin while he fights Sasuke, and contemplated his feelings being the same as the Third Hokage's with Orochimaru. Their fight soon led off the bridge they were on and Kakashi receives an attack from Sasuke's Susanoo. Kakashi is forced to use Kamui to divert the attack, which leaves him unable to protect Sakura when she rejoins the fight. Naruto arrives in time to save her, and furious at Sasuke's mercilessness, Kakashi tries to finish him off. Naruto halts Kakashi in order to speak with Sasuke, who gloats about having killed Danzō. Tobi and Zetsu soon arrive and Kakashi, at Naruto's request, allows them to leave with Sasuke without incident. Kakashi tries to take out Tobi with Kamui, but Tobi tells him that the technique won't work on him. Tobi teleports away taking Sasuke, and Zetsu leaves then as well. Kakashi collects Karin, believing she may have useful information, and revives Sai and Sakura's other escorts. They are then met by members of Root. Learning that Danzō was truly dead as the seals he placed on all of his subordinates have vanished, Kakashi and his team decided to quickly to return to the village knowing that Kakashi would most likely be made the new Hokage.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown

Upon returning to Konoha, Kakashi brings Karin to Ibiki for questioning. Kakashi spoke with Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado about all that had occurred. While reluctant, he agreed to their decision to make him Hokage as the Allied Shinobi Forces would need a Kage from each of the Five Nations and Kakashi already had full trust and respect from the other Kage. In the anime, word quickly spread about Kakashi being appointed the Sixth Hokage. Happy for his long-time friend and rival, Guy challenged him to a race, which resulted in Kakashi's 50th win over Guy. Soon afterwards, Kakashi was taken to the Stone Carvers of the Hokage Monument to make a replica of his face to carve his likeness on the monument.

Later, he accompanied the Konoha Council to a meeting hall with the Fire Daimyō and his delegation. Despite a unanimous vote for Kakashi, moments before he was officially declared the Sixth Hokage, news reached them of Tsunade waking up, ending the proceedings. Later, while Tsunade was recovering, Kakashi spoke with her and thanked her for waking up in time, noting he was not cut out for the position of Hokage.

Power

In the anime, Kakashi and a team were sent to aid Team Yamato in the Hachō Village. Upon arriving, they discovered that Kabuto created a copy of Naruto with the Nine-Tails' "Version 2". While Kakashi's team quickly confronted Kabuto, the rouge ninja summoned several reincarnated shinobi. As Guy and Lee began overwhelming Clone-Naruto, it managed to absorb some of the actual Nine-Tails, producing a giant chakra replicate of the Nine-Tails and attacked the village. After Clone-Naruto lost its extra power and was retrieved by Kabuto and escaped.[164]

After treating the injured villagers, Kakashi meat with the village leader Disonasu, who Kakashi recognised as also an old partner of Orochimaru. Kakashi's team followed him to The Hole where Disonasu was working with Kabuto to resurrect the Ama no Hoko. Kabuto summoned his reincarnated and cloned shinobi to engage Kakashi's team. Ultimately, Disonasu activated the Ama no Hoko. The resulting release of energy causes the Clone-Naruto to fall into the structure and transform into a giant hydra-like Nine-Tails, which killed Disonasu. While Kabuto escapes, Kakashi watches in awe as Naruto destroys his evil copy by transforming into a new but incomplete chakra form, allowing Dokku to deactivate the Ama no Hoko.[165]

Paradise Life on a Boat

In the anime, Kakashi later won a sushi eating contest against Guy, giving him the lead in their rivalry with 51 wins.[20] While preparing for the upcoming war, he was approached he aided Kiba Inuzuka who asked the jōnin to train him. Kakashi instead had his nin-ken help Kiba better himself.[166] Later, Kakashi was chosen to be a unit commander for the joined shinobi forces, to which Kakashi asked Tsunade to appoint Guy as his second in command.

A small nin-tortoise from Guy then appeared with a SOS. Kakashi quickly went off to aid Guy, who was currently escorting Naruto through the Land of Lightning. When Kakashi found Guy, having grown suspicious from rumours of enemies advanced transformation techniques, Guy believed Kakashi was an impostor and attacked him. Ultimately, Kakashi convinced Guy that he was real by pointing out a private and embarrassing fact from Guy's childhood. After Kakashi learned that Guy sent the SOS by accident while dealing with his seasickness, Kakashi returned to the village.[20]

Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

Kakashi and the other commanders standing before the Alliance.

Kakashi was later appointed as commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces' Third Division. As he and the other generals stood over their battalions he urged Gaara as the Regimental Commander to say a few words to them. As two ninja on the brink of infighting began to bicker, Kakashi watched on noting that he had a feeling something like this would happen and as Gaara parted them and spoke to the masses Kakashi noticed the change in atmosphere around the ninja. Later on while Kakashi was with his division, he saw the ambush squad set off a red flare. He then ordered his division to go to the Surprise Attack Division. They arrive in the nick of time and save Sai, Omoi, and Zaji from danger.

Kakashi and his division begin their strategy.

Much to Sakura and his surprise, they find Zabuza and Haku amongst the enemy ranks. Zabuza and Haku ask how Naruto is doing, and Kakashi remarks that Naruto has become an admirable shinobi. However, their reunion is cut short when Kabuto strengthens his grip on the resurrected shinobi, completely eradicating their personalities. Before completing losing control of themselves, Haku and Zabuza pleaded for Kakashi to stop them, with Kakashi agreeing as he revealed his Sharingan. As Zabuza used the Hiding in Mist Technique, Kakashi orders his squad into a Manji Formation around the sensor ninja. When Kakashi's division is about to mount a counter-attack, he watches in exasperation as the previous generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist is summoned to the battlefield. As the swordsmen begin to thin the division's numbers, Kakashi comes up with a plan to neutralise the Hiding in Mist Technique used by Zabuza. He tries to impale Zabuza with a Lightning Cutter, only for Haku to take the blow. Zabuza then seizes the opportunity to attack the immobile Kakashi.

Kakashi impales Zabuza.

Kakashi narrowly dodges the strike with only a shallow wound, which fully regenerates Zabuza's Kubikiribōchō, while Haku was bisected at the waist. As Kakashi reflects on how this situation was just like their last battle, he remembers how Zabuza and Haku taught Naruto an important lesson in bonds. Kakashi openly thanked them for being Naruto's first opponents. Also remembering how Kakashi had grown to respect and like the two rogue ninja, Kakashi became determined to free them from their undead prison in respect for the way they chose to die. Kakashi then ordered his men to prepare the strategy again as Kakashi charged forward, using his Lightning Cutter to destroy Zabuza's sword-wielding arm and stab him through the chest. Kakashi's team then used special bounds to trap them, also causing the mist to dispel. Openly voicing his anger at how someone could toy with the dead, he states that he will going on a rampage as he picks up Kubikiribōchō to use.

Kakashi fending off Jinin.

On the next day, Kakashi and his division resume the battle against the remaining Mist Swordsmen. In the anime, he defeated Jinin Akebino, giving his team time to seal him.[115] Later, he encountered Jinpachi Munashi and Kushimaru Kuriarare toying with members of Kakashi's division. While able to save some of them, he soon found himself cornered by the two swordsmen. Might Guy than arrived to aid Kakashi. Taking advantage of the swordsmen's lack of team-work, they were able to hold them off until the sealing team arrived to subdue them.[29]

Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Later, Kakashi faces Fuguki Suikazan. He cuts down the Mist Swordsman by imbuing the Kubikiribōchō with lightning, allowing Sai to seal Fuguki inside of his drawing. After noticing more White Zetsu Army clones arriving, he tells Guy who wanted them to take them down all at once that they also had reinforcements after seeing Naruto's clone arrive on the battlefield.

Kakashi and Guy arrive to save Naruto.

After dealing with the remaining Mist Swordsmen, Kakashi and Guy head on to save Naruto from being captured by Tobi. Attacking him once he materialised, Kakashi was able to retrieve Naruto before Tobi could warp him away. Smiling at his pupil, he tells him that he couldn't sit idly by while his student overexerts himself. Deciphering the information Naruto had spewed out, he watches on as the Five-Tails charges at Tobi and theorises that Tobi did not have perfect control of the beasts before telling Naruto to stay focused. As the beasts charge at them, Kakashi tells Guy that they needed to decipher which beast used which of the Six Paths of Pain's abilities. Activating his Lightning Cutter, he and Guy confront the beasts head on, he is shocked to see that they aren't using these abilities. He and Guy later watch in shock as Tobi, after congratulating Kakashi on his observation skills, causes Utakata and Rōshi to fully transform. As the Six-Tails attacks breathing out a corrosive gas, Kakashi warns Guy not to touch the substance it spewed at all.

As they retreat, Guy alerts him to Naruto's predicament. Telling Guy that they weren't able to leave to free Naruto from Son Gokū's jaws as they were being pressured from all sides, he creates a shadow clone and assumes the Manji Formation. Entrusting their backs to one another, Kakashi and his clone charges forward with the Lightning Transmission technique, severing the chakra arms. Kakashi prepares for another onslaught of attacks as the beasts confront him head-on. As Naruto succeeds in releasing Son from Tobi's control, both Kakashi and Guy look on shocked as the now fully-transformed jinchūriki bear down on them.

As the situation becomes dire, Kakashi decides that he would warp away the five Tailed Beast Balls that were aimed at them, but Guy tells him that there was no way he had enough strength for that. Kakashi also declines Guy's decision to use the eighth gate, stating he would die after opening it. Both men are rescued however by Naruto who deflects the attacks with such speed that Kakashi momentarily believes him to be his former teacher Minato. Absorbed into Kurama's chakra as Naruto transforms, both men watch on at the battle between the beasts ensue watching in horror as the five opposing beasts later combine a Tailed Beast Ball, and Naruto attempts to counter with his own.

Kakashi and his clone attack the Demonic Statue.

After Naruto's Tailed Beast Mode was cancelled, Kakashi stands alongside Guy, who uncharacteristically says that he felt old seeing Naruto come so far which somewhat shocks Kakashi. Kakashi then tells him that their youth wasn't over just yet which seemingly gets Guy back to his old self. He is later seen mobilised beside Might Guy, Naruto Uzumaki and Killer B in his full Eight-Tails form preparing to assault Tobi and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. Launching an attack with his shadow clone, Kakashi called to Guy who followed up with an attack followed by B and Naruto, the latter of which continued to taunt Tobi despite his advisement against it.

Kakashi attacks Tobi while he is distracted.

While Naruto and Guy battle Tobi, Kakashi focuses on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. Kakashi then tries to use Kamui on the statue to remove its head, however the statue seems to have nullified the attack which confuses Kakashi. He then infuses a kunai with Lightning Release and calls out to B to launch him. Launching across the battlefield, Kakashi easily cuts through a rock that separated him from Naruto and launches the kunai at Tobi who becomes intangible and kicks the kunai towards Naruto. Kakashi uses Kamui once again to warp away the kunai. Regrouping as the last attack seemingly fails to land, the shinobi wonder how they were going to defeat Tobi.

Gyūki launches Guy, Kakashi and Naruto across the battlefield.

Noticing the slight crack in Tobi's mask, Kakashi denies the fact that it was made by Naruto's last attack, and noted that the crack was too sharp to have been made by an impact like that. Realising what had made the gash in the mask, Kakashi called out to his comrades to aid him in testing his hypothesis. Climbing into B's hand the three shinobi are launched across the battlefield, and after Guy and Naruto respectively attacked Tobi, just before the masked man phased through Naruto's Rasengan, Kakashi used Kamui to send the Rasengan to the other dimension. Tobi's right arm was then subsequently hit by an unseen attack at which time Kakashi declared that his hypothesis was right and realised that Tobi was not using two separate techniques to warp himself away and another to phase, but one single technique.

Obliging Guy's request to tell them his analysis in the simplest way possible, Kakashi explains what occurred that Tobi only intangible by transferring part of himself into the other dimension where Kakashi sends whatever he targets with Kamui to. But as this other dimension is pointed out as a link between his Sharingan and their enemy's, Kakashi questioned Tobi as to where exactly he got the eye from. However, Kakashi is horrified upon hearing Tobi's answer of obtaining his Sharingan from Kannabi Bridge during the previous war. Kakashi is at a loss for words, in a daze thinking of his former comrade, Guy attempts to snap him out of it while Naruto charges at Tobi in his Tailed Beast Mode. After hearing Naruto's speech, Kakashi rallied back and readied a new strategy that requires him to time the few remaining Kamui he can use. Charging forward as Naruto created a shadow clone to attack Tobi, Kakashi seemingly warped away the dispelled clone's Rasengan before collapsing from the strain with his eye bleeding. In reality, however, Kakashi warped Naruto's clone into the other dimension, allowing his student's clone to catch Tobi off guard and shatter his mask.

Kakashi is left completely stunned as he looks on to see that behind the shattered mask, is his childhood friend Obito Uchiha. When Kakashi questions why he never returned to Konoha if he survived, Obito mocks Kakashi by stating his failure to protect Rin was the reason, an answer that only caused Kakashi to sink further in depression and cause Obito to chortle at his expense. After the attack launched by Obito is thwarted by Naruto, they are soon joined by the reincarnated Madara. Shocked by this, they silently watched the Uchiha pair converse amongst themselves, and Kakashi expressed surprise at the fact Madara knew about Obito's Eye of the Moon Plan. While Madara started his confrontation with Naruto and Killer B, Kakashi and Guy prepared to confront their former comrade. Taking advantage of this, Kakashi proceeded to ask Obito why he teamed up with someone like Madara.

Interrupted by the clash between Naruto and Madara, Kakashi again posed the question to Obito. However, his former friend told him that there was nothing more to be said between them, and that the only thing left to do was to have their final fight. Hurling shuriken out of the other dimension, Kakashi blocked Obito's barrage with an earth wall until Obito phased through the wall holding one of the shuriken and stabbed it into Kakashi's left leg. Kakashi's persistence to ask why Obito was doing this only led his former friend to retort that he is trash that does not shut up, and warped Kakashi away to the other dimension. Remembering Obito's words of those who abandon friends being even worse than trash, Kakashi could not believe that the hero he looked up to had forsaken his previous beliefs and used his Kamui to warp himself back from the other world.

Kakashi battling Obito.

Kakashi admits that he is trash for failing to protect Rin as promised, but questions Obito if Rin was related to his new ideals before getting kicked in the face and slashed with Obito's two held shuriken. Calling Obito one of Konoha's heroes while imploring him to not end up like him, Kakashi is told by his former friend that they are both trash because they survived the worthlessness of this reality. Obito prepared to finish Kakashi off before Naruto's shadow clone intercepted Obito's right-hand shuriken, declaring that he would protect his friends with his life. Remembering the exact same words he said to Team 7, Kakashi regained his will to fight and used his Lightning Cutter to destroy Obito's other shuriken. He then proclaimed that he remembered what Obito taught him in the past, and that now he would protect Naruto.

Kakashi attacks Obito from the other dimension.

Weakened from his injuries and overusing his Mangekyō Sharingan, Kakashi falls to his knees in exhaustion. Obito again attempts to warp Kakashi to the other dimension, but is stopped by Naruto. After Kurama temporarily switches places with Naruto, it grabs Kakashi, and throws him towards Obito, who successfully warps him away. With no time to complain, Naruto attacks Obito while Kakashi, who Kurama had supplied with chakra when it threw him, attacked Obito's materialised body parts in the other dimension. Warping himself back to the real world, Kakashi looks on as a giant Tailed Beast Ball was fired by B and Naruto at the statue. Kakashi contemplated whether the statue had really been destroyed, but it was later revealed to have successfully become the Ten-Tails.

As Madara and Obito connect themselves to the Ten-Tails by way of tendrils being inserted, Kurama grabs Kakashi and Guy in its mouth to restore their chakra. Kurama, understanding the true nature behind the Ten-Tails, begins giving instructions to how they should face the mighty beast. When Kakashi notes that Kurama is acting like a captain, it thinks Kakashi has a problem with it, but the jōnin merely replies that he actually likes it. Kakashi's kindness to Kurama is shortly enjoyed as the Ten-Tails shows remarkable speed, quickly overwhelming Kakashi and his team. Following Kurama's advice, Kakashi uses Kamui to teleport Gyūki in front of the Ten-Tails, who launches a point-blank Tailed Beast Ball at the resurrected demon.

Kakashi together with the Allied Shinobi Force.

After deflecting the attack back at Gyūki, the Ten-Tails attempts to attack Naruto and Kakashi with its tail, but Naruto throws Kakashi out of the way in time. Landing in the safety of Kurama, Kurama later dematerialises, and Kakashi falls to the ground. Kakashi finds himself weakened from transporting Gyūki with his Kamui. Stressing the importance of Naruto's life to the war effort, Kakashi finds relief as all divisions of the Allied Shinobi Forces assemble at the battlefield, and Sakura begins to heal him.

Reeling from an attack from a newly evolved Ten-Tails, Kakashi is asked by Shikaku for information regarding his fights with the enemy prior to the Allied Shinobi Forces arrival, but Kakashi is forced to cut contact and attempts to use Kamui against the Ten-Tails. Realising he couldn't use it in time, ordering another to use an Earth Release technique to make the ground underneath the beast uneven, Kakashi is shocked to see the Ten-Tails massive firing distance with a Tailed Beast Ball. Kakashi and Sakura later narrowly avoid one of the wooden stakes that was fired by the Ten-Tails. He later watched on in horror as Neji sacrificed himself to protect Naruto and Hinata from the projectiles, and attempted to chide Obito for degrading Naruto, but was cut off by the former's tirade, in which he pointed out that Kakashi should know that nothing but loneliness was at the end of the path Naruto had chosen to take. He would later affirm that promising to protect loved ones could become a curse, if they were unable to fulfil that promise. Understanding this, Naruto still agreed to keep Neji in his heart and to carry on his will, stating that to do otherwise would be to truly killing Neji.

Kakashi and Obito teleport to the other dimension.

After receiving chakra from Naruto, resulting in a chakra cloak, Kakashi thought back to his conversation with Shikaku and the feats he was able to accomplish the first time Kurama gave him chakra. He later charged towards, and attacked the Ten-Tails alongside the other empowered members of the Alliance. Ultimately, the Allied Shinobi Forces manage to separate Obito and Madara from the Ten-Tails, which causes the massive demon to start going berserk. As Kakashi prepares to warp it away, he is intercepted by Obito. The two men end up warping to Kamui's dimension but not before Kakashi called out to Naruto, telling him to handle things there.

Upon arriving, Kakashi maintains his balance unlike Obito, allowing him to strike with his Lightning Cutter before Obito could react, only to hesitate and stop at the last moment. While shocked at first, Obito realises that Kakashi is still plagued by guilt and hope for Obito reforming, to which the fallen Uchiha mocks Kakashi for. Kakashi begs Obito to accept that things don't have to be this way, as in many ways the man Obito once was now lives in Naruto. Obito then stood up, phasing through Kakashi's Lightning Cutter. He then revealed that he knew all along the circumstances of Rin dying. That just like how he didn't blame Kakashi for Rin's death, she and Kakashi weren't the reason for him starting this war. Obito tells Kakashi to forget about his guilt as there is nothing left of the man Kakashi once fought alongside, emphasising this from a genjutsu of a gaping hole where his heart should be.

The culmination of Kakashi and Obito's battle.

Appealing to Kakashi's happier memories from their childhood, Obito emphasises that the illusion world can give Kakashi back that lost time, creating an illusion of child Obito and Rin, which Kakashi quickly strikes down. Kakashi defiantly refuses Obito's offer of a dream world, saying that illusions will never heal one's pain. While admitting that the real world can be cruel at times, the support of one's friends can ease the pain and rejecting your friends will only add to the pain. Obito scoffed at Kakashi's words, saying that attachments like that are the source of one's pain. Kakashi however reminds Obito of the lesson he once taught Kakashi: One who abandons their friends are worse than trash. As Obito was taken aback by these words, Kakashi declared that he will force these feelings back on Obito, even if he refuses.

Their battle then raged on, with them challenging each other with various genjutsu tactics, constantly ending in a stalemate. Finally deciding to fight for real, Kakashi and Obito as a last sign of respect between former allies performed a challenge salute. The two clashed, almost mirroring a sparring match from their youth. Although Obito managed to pierce Kakashi's right ribs with a black rod, Kakashi impaled Obito through the chest. While Obito laughingly admitted defeat, he told Kakashi he would lose the war before returning to the real world.

Heavily fatigued from his battle against Obito, Kakashi remained in the Kamui dimension to suture his wounds before returning to the battlefield. As he began to catch his breath, he thinks over all that has transpired with the new dark Obito, coming to the conclusion that Obito has not truly relinquished the Will of Fire, but rather pushed it aside and his meeting with Naruto has caused him to gain conflicted emotions. Suddenly, Kakashi begins to see and hear what Obito does through their matching pair of Sharingan. Seeing Obito's continued turmoil, Kakashi notes that Obito could have overcome this hole in his heart if he let his friends fill it with their feelings.

Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki

Kakashi attempts to kill Obito after emerging from Kamui's dimension.

Once recovered, Kakashi teleported back to the battlefield, poised over a defeated Obito. Believing that Obito was his responsibility, Kakashi lunged his kunai at Obito, only for the reincarnated Minato to stop him. While Kakashi was shocked by the appearance of his late sensei, the Fourth Hokage explained that Naruto's persistence has gotten through to Obito. Accepting his inner pain, Obito admits that Rin was the only good thing in his life and losing her only left him in misery. Madara's plan seemed the only sensible choice left in Obito's mind as all he's seen while walking the world confirmed that the world was indeed hopeless. Kakashi admits that he doesn't know for sure if Naruto's views are anymore right and that maybe Madara's isn't completely wrong, shocking Obito. While sympathising with Obito's personal pain of Rin's death along with his other loved ones, Kakashi insists that Naruto's views are at least less likely to fail because his goals naturally draws more people to aid him.

After learning from Minato that Obito would survive, Kakashi prepared to join the battle against Madara. As Kakashi's words fully reached Obito, the Uchiha admitted to understanding why Nagato betrayed him to aid Naruto. Deciding to follow suit, Obito resolved to, as a true act of atonement for his mistakes, sacrifice his life to revive all the fallen shinobi with Outer Path — Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique. Not wanting his childhood friend to die, Kakashi begged him to instead dedicate his life to making amends, to which Obito said would be the "easy" path, no longer feeling worthy to ever see Rin again. Before he could do so, however, Black Zetsu emerged from the ground, merged with Obito and forced him to revive Madara, much to Kakashi and Minato's shock.

Kakashi and Minato confront Black Zetsu.

Succeeding in his goal, Black Zetsu then proceeded to take Obito's Rinnegan to return it to Madara. Kakashi and Minato quickly acted to stop it, to which Black Zetsu responded by merging again with Obito, warning them that his unison with the dying Obito was the only thing still keeping him alive. Being asked what it is, Black Zetsu responded that he was a manifestation of Madara's will, calling Kakashi and his allies fools for underestimating Madara.

Suddenly, from Obito's artificial body half, the Demonic Statue emerged. Kakashi attempted to stop it by removing the head with Kamui, but the statue is teleported elsewhere, causing Kakashi's attack to instead remove its right arm. As Black Zetsu continued its attempt to take the left Rinnegan from Obito's eye-socket, Obito continued to resist the possession, telling Kakashi to destroy the eye. Looking down on their attempts, Black Zetsu informed them that Madara has already regained his right eye. Obito lost his consciousness.

As Kakashi couldn't feel the presence of Obito being alive, he and Minato prepare to attack Black Zetsu. Suddenly, Gaara appeared with Sakura and a critical-state Naruto, having lost Yang-Kurama to Madara. Gaara quickly told Minato that Naruto can be saved by sealing the Yin half of Kurama inside Naruto. After Minato's attempt to do so was intercepted by Black Zetsu, getting Yin-Kurama sealed inside itself, Madara arrived. Now the Ten-Tails' jinchūriki, Madara seeks to complete his power now in Black Zetsu's possession.

As Black Zetsu attempted to return to Madara and grant the Uchiha Yin-Kurama and the left Rinnegan, Obito managed to overshadow Black Zetsu, keeping it merged to the younger Uchiha. As Obito and Madara began questioning Obito's purpose in life, Kakashi attempted to teleport Obito away from Madara and Minato launches an attack on the Uchiha. Madara easily repels Minato's attack and kicks Minato's Rasengan at Kakashi, forcing Kakashi to warp the Rasengan before it hit him instead. Obito approached Madara impaled Madara's chest with his hand, stating that he is not an extension of Madara, but Obito Uchiha.

Kakashi warping Obito to the other dimension to Naruto.

Relieved that his friend had regained some sense of himself, Kakashi obliged his request and warped Naruto — along with Sakura — to the other dimension. Standing alongside his comrade, Kakashi conceded to be Obito's backup but noted that the Uchiha better not mess up. As they are both attacked by Madara, Obito and Kakashi both use Kamui in sync allowing Obito to warp to the other dimension before Madara could attack him. With Kakashi left defenceless, however, he was rescued by Might Guy whom Kakashi noted he was actually happy to see for the first time.

As Kakashi and his allies began considering their options against the transcendent Madara, Guy made the first move, attacking Madara with his Daytime Tiger. The attack was easily resisted and Guy was narrowly saved by the timely arrival of Lee. Realising the grim situation, Guy resolved to make his ultimate move, which Kakashi realised to his horror was the suicidal eighth gate. As his friends tried to talk his out of it, Guy expression made it clear to Kakashi that his decision was final. Once accessing all Eight Gates, Guy quickly began to overwhelm Madara.

Kakashi warps away Madara's defence.

Realising the limited time Guy had, Minato revealed the true mechanics behind Madara's Truth-Seeking Balls. The group then launched a strategy to support Guy's offence and quickly got rid of most of Madara's only defence from Guy's Evening Elephant. With Kakashi's Sharingan too strained from overuse to properly aim Kamui from a distance, Gaara carried Kakashi on his sand, getting Kakashi close enough to teleport a large portion of Madara's barrier, letting Guy complete his assault on Madara.

Madara steals Kakashi's Sharingan.

As Guy and Madara continued their extreme battle, Kakashi admitted that Guy had indeed surpassed him just as Sakumo predicted years ago. Finally, Guy reached his limit and collapsed, his body thrashed from the effects of the Eight Gates and was quickly dying. Wanting to finish Guy personally, Madara launched his final chakra orb at Guy, only for the revived Naruto to return and deflect it with his bare foot. With a new look in Naruto's eyes, Naruto then somehow stabilised Guy's life force, sparing the taijutsu master from certain death. As Naruto began to overwhelm Madara with his new-found powers, Kakashi watched in amazement. Realising that he was losing the advantage, Madara absorbed the tree into his being, fully regenerating himself. Sasuke then returned with a similar power to Naruto's and the two joined forces to battle Madara. As the two childhood friends begin holding their own against Madara, the legendary Uchiha decides to focus first on regaining his left Rinnegan. Still exhausted from earlier, Madara catches Kakashi off guard and steals his Sharingan, using it to teleport to the other dimension.

Kakashi's original left eye is restored.

Shortly afterwards, Sakura appeared from the other dimension, revealing that Obito teleported her to safety from Madara. She explained that according to Obito, Madara would become unstoppable with both Rinnegan. After Naruto finished sealing Madara's shadow, he used his new powers to restore Kakashi's original left eye, shocking Kakashi. Watching his three former students bicker with each other, Kakashi reflected on how much they have changed and grown before questioning Sasuke's new goals. As Sasuke remained silent, Kakashi chose not push the question, instead alerting his students of Madara returning and told them to remember the first lesson he taught them: team-work. Upon returning, Madara revealed both his eyes restored and Black Zetsu back in control of Obito, also with both his original eyes. As Zetsu mocked Obito's efforts, the reunited Team 7 prepared to battle, with Kakashi admiring their unison. Kakashi watched on as his former students battled Madara. Finally reaching the full maturity of his new-found power, Madara proceeds to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi on the world. As people everywhere become assimilated by this technique, Sasuke, with his own Rinnegan making him immune to the genjutsu, uses his Susanoo to shield Kakashi and his allies from the technique.

As everyone asked Sasuke the nature of this technique, Sasuke stubbornly told them to be quiet, insisting that he take care of it. While Naruto was furious at Sasuke's still independent attitude, Kakashi solemnly admitted that with Sasuke's Rinnegan, he may be the only one able to save the world. As the light of Madara's technique subsided, Sasuke let down his Susanoo, noting that only a Rinnegan has a chance of cancelling the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Madara confronted the remaining free individuals, only for Black Zetsu to suddenly betray Madara and impale his hand through Madara's chest, shocking its audience. As Madara asked his own manifestation why he would do this, Black Zetsu boldly stated that it is actually a manifestation of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. Black Zetsu then proceeded to expand its being into Madara.

As Black Zetsu's influence spread over his creator, chakra began to swirl through the air towards Madara. While Naruto and Sasuke's attempted to destroy their enemies proved futile, Black Zetsu revealed to Kakashi and his team that the captured victims of Infinite Tsukuyomi will slowly be transformed into White Zetsu clones. As the chaos subsided, Madara and Black Zetsu's being were transformed into Kaguya herself. Shocked at this revelation, Kakashi asked the legendary princess about her motives, who stated that the world was her nursery and wanted no more fighting to damage it any further. She then transformed the ground into a river of lava, telling Team 7 that she will have them disappear.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes

Kakashi saves Sakura from the fall.

As Sasuke and Naruto survived the deadly fall on Sasuke's summoned hawk, Kakashi responded quickly to the drop by nailing two kunai in the wall; one stabbing Obito's hand to keep him suspended and the other attached to an unravelled scroll. Kakashi used the scroll as a makeshift rope to save himself and Sakura. Soon after, the lava's intense heat burned through the scroll, resuming Kakashi and Sakura's plummet, but they were saved by Naruto's chakra arms and new-found ability to fly. To keep his full attention on Kaguya, Naruto then used a shadow clone to carry Kakashi and Sakura and retrieve Obito. After Sasuke is captured by Kaguya's dimensional portal, Naruto's clone succeeds in resuscitating Obito. After explaining the situation to Obito, the Uchiha states that using Kamui may be able to work in sync with Kaguya's portal and save Sasuke.

As Kaguya finally notices Kakashi and the others, Kakashi notes that she doesn't even care about them. Once the real Naruto finally forces Kaguya to open her portal, Obito teleports into it with Naruto's clone and Sakura, leaving Kakashi to watch. As Kakashi grows depress in his inability to actively help in the battle, Obito finally returns with Sakura and Sasuke. Kaguya, seeing that the two halves of her son's power have returned, realises she can't hold back anymore. She then enhances the gravity in the area, pinning everyone, including herself, to the ground. She then fires her bone blades at Naruto and Sasuke. Kakashi and Obito quickly rush to protect the younger ninja with their bodies. At the last second however, Obito intervenes. Unable to use more than one Kamui at the moment, Obito takes his hit from Kaguya's attack but protects Kakashi from his projectile, not wanting another friend to die in front of him. As Obito began to crumble, Naruto desperately tried to save Obito again with his Yang power but to no avail. Imparting his final words to Naruto, the Uchiha finally died as he turned into dust. Angered by this, Naruto attacked Kaguya and managed to sever her arm and Black Zetsu with it.

Kakashi awakens the Mangekyō Sharingan in both of his own eyes.

As Naruto bombarded Kaguya with multiple tailed beast chakra-infused attacks, the tailed beasts within Kaguya's body began to react to Naruto, causing the princess to bloat and morph into a massive amalgamation of the tailed beasts with the head of a demonic rabbit. It randomly began launching chakra arms that instantly assimilated whatever it touched. As this happened, the spirit of Obito manifested and entered Kakashi. Inside Kakashi's consciousness, Obito insisted to Kakashi to become the Sixth Hokage. As a parting gift, Obito passes on his chakra, Sharingan powers, and the portion of the Six Paths powers to Kakashi. This allowed the jōnin to manifest both the Mangekyō Sharingan in each of his eyes. With his new power, Kakashi activates his Complete Body — Susanoo to protect Sakura and rejoin the battle directly, shocking his former students with his new abilities. Asserting his presence on the battlefield, Kakashi proceeded to warp away several of Kaguya's chakra arms away. Regaining control of herself, Kaguya then shaped this mass into a giant Truth-Seeking Ball. Acknowledging that his Kamui couldn't stop that, Kakashi devised a plan and shared it with his students, telling them to be ready for what could be their last mission as a team. Quickly enacting this plan, Team 7 were able to coordinate their efforts and penetrate Kaguya's defences to land a decisive blow on her.

Kakashi and Obito saying their final goodbyes to each other.

From this, Naruto and Sasuke were finally able to place Sage of Six Paths' seal on Kaguya. As the Chibaku Tensei was forming, Madara and the tailed beasts were extracted from Kaguya's form. Ultimately, a new moon was formed and sealed Kaguya and Black Zetsu within it. As Team 7 pondered how to return their own dimension, the spirit of Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki summoned and worked alongside the spirits of all the past Kage to teleport Team 7, the tailed beasts, and Madara to the normal dimension. Kakashi was left shocked at meeting the legendary Sage of Six Paths, who openly commended Kakashi for his leadership of his team. Kakashi humble said the real work came from them. Kakashi then talked with Obito within his subconscious, forgiving his fallen friend for his mistakes and said his final goodbyes, letting Obito return to the afterlife as Kakashi's Sharingan fades from his eyes. After the past Hokage also return to the afterlife, plans for the future are expressed. Much to Kakashi's horror, Sasuke expresses his desire to kill the current Kage and seize control of the tailed beasts, swiftly accomplishing the latter with his Rinnegan. When Kakashi asks Sasuke if he still simply wants revenge, Sasuke explains that what he wants is revolution; to reshape the world as he feels it should have been. As Sasuke turns his attention to his only threat left, Naruto, who firmly says he will finally end the sibling feud. Exhausted from his prolonged use of the Sharingan, Kakashi could only watch as Naruto and Sasuke prepare to do battle. After Sasuke silenced Sakura with genjutsu, he scolded Sasuke for his actions because Sakura is suffering due to her desire to save him and her love for him has never wavered, but Sasuke scoffed this and left with Naruto to fight him. Tending to Sakura, he spoke with Hagoromo about Naruto and Sasuke's fate. When Hagoromo starts to disappear, he asks for advice, who tells the former just believe, as there is nothing more they can do.

As Naruto and Sasuke's battle from afar began to ravage the land around them, it began to even affect the area where Kakashi and Sakura waited. Kakashi shielded Sakura from the debris until she finally awoke, to which he explained the situation. Once the carnage final died down, Kakashi and Sakura went to their friends' battleground. There, they found Naruto and Sasuke battered and bleeding out from their missing right and left hand respectively. As Sakura began to heal them, Kakashi recognised that Sasuke had reconciled with Naruto and genuinely apologised to Sakura for what he put her through. Kakashi was overjoyed that his team was back together for good and thought back again on how their lives became intertwined.

Blank Period

Kakashi Hiden: Lightning in the Icy Sky

About fourteen months after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Konoha succeeds in capturing Garyō, leader of the Ryūha Armament Alliance, a group that despises the current shinobi system. Despite already having his likeness carved into the Hokage Monument, Kakashi has yet to officially take up the position, feeling unqualified of the position, especially after losing his Sharingan. He later goes to oversee the security maiden voyage of the Tobishachimaru in the Land of Waves. While meeting up again with Tazuna, a woman runs through the crowd, eager not to miss her seat on the flight. Kakashi catches her as she nearly falls.

As the Tobishachimaru is about to take off, Kakashi spots Rock Lee and Might Guy sneaking on to the ship. As he tries to find them a place to sit, they discover a group of shinobi planting explosive tags around the ship. Kakashi and Guy infiltrate the ventilation ducts to gather information unnoticed. They watch as the ship's passengers are gathered together by the enemy groups leader, Rahyō. The Konoha ninja guards engage the opposing forces, but their bodies are frozen by Kahyō. Rahyō tells the passengers that they are being taken hostage until Garyō is released from the Blood Prison. Also, in half an hour, if Garyō isn't freed, one hostage will be killed followed by another every subsequent ten minutes. Additionally, if Konoha involves Naruto Uzumaki in this, the Tobishachimaru will be blown up.

As a member of the Ryūha Armament Alliance delivers Rahyō's demands to Tsunade, Ino contacts Kakashi and Guy while Tsunade assembles Konoha's available personnel, with the exception of Naruto. Soon afterwards Guy's motion-sickness abruptly strikes, revealing their location to Armament Alliance. Ice shards start attacking them from all directions and they separate, with Kakashi quickly forced to defend himself with his new Lightning Release: Purple Electricity. The duct dislodges and he falls into a restroom, where he finds the woman he met earlier hiding. Kakashi introduces himself to her as a Konoha ninja and brings her with him.

Kakashi summons his ninken and sends them to find all the explosive tags planted. Kakashi quickly neutralises several enemy shinobi, to which Rahyō responds by freezing two hostages to death. Rahyō offers to give ten more minutes for Konoha to comply with his demands before killing anyone else if Kakashi surrenders. Kakashi does so and is bound with ropes. Kakashi is angry with himself for allowing himself to be tied up while more people soon die, but is finally contacted by Ino. She reports that the ninken have found all the exploding tags, while Guy will set up a distraction so that Kakashi can gather the remaining passengers and get them to safety. Kakashi requests that Sai be sent to provide assistance.

Guy elsewhere detonates the exploding tags, only for Kahyō to stabilise the ship and put out the forming flames. Following this, Guy appears before Rahyō. Even with only one good leg, Guy remains as fast as ever, evading Rahyō's ice techniques. Despite this and delivering some powerful blows, it becomes clear he is in pain from his exertions. During this skirmish, Pakkun chews through the ropes binding Kakashi. Kakashi prepares to join Guy, but is interrupted by the appearance of Kahyō. Kahyō attacks Kakashi with her own ice techniques, to which Kakashi counters with his lightning techniques. Kakashi tries talking to Kahyō, arguing that the Armament Alliance can't really want to destroy the world because they, like Madara Uchiha before them, in fact love the world too much. In reference to the death of Kahyō's son Hakuhyō, who died because of lack of medics available during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kakashi sympathises, but states that it is inevitable that a shinobi will lose somebody they love. Kahyō retorts that the her son was an innocent bystander, while Kakashi points out that Armament Alliance is now threatening to kill the innocent passengers.

Kahyō becomes angry by Kakashi's observation and performs Ice Release: Earthen Consecutive Chains of Ice, spreading ice across the area, engulfing everything it comes into contact with. Rahyō soon knocks Kahyō unconscious when she refuses to listen to him, however the damage left a hole in the floor, sucking out passengers from the unbalanced pressure. Kakashi catches Guy before he's sucked out too. During this, Kahyō's mask has come off, revealing the woman he met earlier. Kakashi loses his grip and starts falling, only to be saved along with everyone else by Sai. Despite things now going in the Armament Alliance's favour, Kakashi assumes they have prepared for this. Kakashi sends a message to Ino that Tobishachimaru is heading to Blood Prison and has Sai to take him back to the ship.

Kakashi sneaks back to the dining room where the remaining hostages are held. Kakashi attempts to attack, but his body to becomes internally cold and ice starts spreading across his body. Only by coating himself with chakra can he stop its spread. Kahyō explains that she branded him with her Chains of Ice when they first met. Kahyō shares her history with Kakashi and hardships she endured simply because of her bloodline. Kakashi has no response to her story and allows Rahyō's men to take him prisoner.

Because of the ship's higher elevation, Kakashi correctly theorises that the air is thin enough that the men guarding the door aren't thinking clearly, tricking the guards into letting him go. He returns to the dining area once again and finds the passengers are being fitted with parachutes so that they can evacuate the Tobishachimaru safely. Confused about why Rahyō has suddenly had a change of heart, Kakashi concludes that the parachutes must be packed with blue fire powder, intent on using the passengers as bombs on the prison's wall to help Garyō escape.

Kakashi reveals himself and the truth behind Rahyō's intent to the passengers. The passengers can't remove the parachutes on their own and Rahyō's men start throwing them over board. Kakashi intervenes, briefly diverting his chakra from fending off the ice in order to use Purple Electricity on the remaining passengers and release them from the parachutes. While Kakashi dedicates his chakra back to regulating his body temperature, Kahyō questions Rahyō about whether Kakashi's accusation is true. Rahyō reluctantly says it is. Saddened, Kahyō attacks Kakashi but her ice projectiles miss and Kakashi, in his counter, discovers the ice binding him is gone. He attacks her, but stop short of killing her, realising that's what she wanted.

Kahyō admits that Kakashi's earlier words convinced her she was wrong. The Tobishachimaru then begins to sway from all the damage and a fire breaks out. While Kahyō focuses on extinguishing the flames, the floor starts to give way. Kakashi gets the ship's pilots to safety and then tries to rescue Rahyō, telling him he can't save the world if he's dead. The ship heaves again and Rahyō is flung from Kakashi's grasp. Rahyō shouts his wish to have met someone like Kakashi sooner.

As the Tobishachimaru continues rising into the sky, Kakashi realises it's only a matter of time until they start to experience the Armostrong limit. He convince Kahyō to help him save the lives of everyone. Before they can act, Kakashi sees the Tsuchikage and his men flying outside, ready to destroy the ship if necessary. At the same time, Ino delivers a message from Tsunade that Kakashi is to personally see to it that the ship is destroyed before the Tsuchikage has a chance.

With no good option available to him, Kakashi sticks to his original plan of puncturing the helium sacs. The Tobishachimaru starts plummeting back to the ground. Kahyō uses her ice to keep the ship together and ease its fall. The Tsuchikage catches up with them and offers to take Kakashi and Kahyō to safety. Unwilling to abandon the rest of the passengers, Kakashi leaps through a hole in the hull out into the clouds the Tobishachimaru is falling through and uses Purple Electricity. Kakashi is rescued from the air by Kurotsuchi. As she escorts him to the ground he watches as Kahyō uses ice to glide the Tobishachimaru to a clearing by the Blood Prison. When Kahyō emerges, Tsunade orders she be taken into custody because the Armament Alliance's stunt has destroyed Konoha's credibility and caused the Land of Waves to abandon their plans for airborne transportation. Before she can have Kahyō thrown into jail, Kakashi appears and asks to be allowed to decide her punishment.

Kakashi suggests a sentence of life-imprisonment if she will agree to be the new warden of the Blood Prison, dedicating the rest of her life to keeping those imprisoned there within its walls. He explains Kahyō's Chains of Ice makes uniquely qualified to replace Mui, the previous warden. Tsunade agrees on the condition that it be Kakashi's first act as Hokage. Kahyō vows to accept this assignment if that is what Kakashi asks of her, so he officially takes on the title of Sixth Hokage.

Four months later, Kakashi learns that the village has been misinformed about his relationship to Kahyō because of Naruto, who is openly publicising his fantasies about Kakashi's feelings for Kahyō. Kakashi decides to let it go when he realises Naruto is only upset for being excluded from the whole affair. To make it up to Kakashi, Naruto invites him to Ramen Ichiraku.

Sasuke's Departure

Later on, Kakashi and Sakura were standing at the village gate with Sasuke, who was about to leave on a journey of redemption. One of Kakashi's first acts as Hokage was to pardon Sasuke of his crimes for his services in ending the war and a good word from Naruto. Kakashi informed Sasuke on that act before he left on his journey, advising the Uchiha not to get into any more trouble.

Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness

The Last: Naruto the Movie

Two years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kakashi has an emergency meeting with the other Kage about the falling of the Moon, worrying that it will destroy the Earth if not stopped soon. When Hanabi Hyūga is kidnapped by Toneri Ōtsutsuki, Kakashi forms a team consisting of Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, Sai, and Hinata. He informs them about the situation and gives Shikamaru a special clock to keep track of the countdown to the destruction of the world.

While Konoha tries to defend from the meteor's, Kakashi is shocked to see Sasuke defend them from one, who also rescued the injured Hiashi Hyūga. At another emergency meeting with the Kage, he and the others vote out against A to use his chakra weapon to destroy the Moon while Naruto's team and Hanabi are still on there. They are ultimately given an hour. Luckily, Naruto succeeded in stopping Toneri and has Kurama carve "Mission Complete" on the Moon, allowing Kakashi to relays this to everyone about the mission's success, glad to see his instincts were right again. Some time later, he attends Naruto and Hinata's wedding.

Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding

Epilogue

Kakashi visiting Guy.

Years later, Kakashi would trust in Naruto's capabilities enough to name him his successor as the Seventh Hokage. Shortly afterwards, Kakashi seemingly retired from active duty, being content with living a more carefree lifestyle that included visiting Guy and revisiting locations he considered sentimental.

Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring

Main article: Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring
While trying to enjoy his retirement in a bathhouse, Kakashi was contacted by Naruto regarding a message from Sasuke. Upon hearing about a strange boy possessing the Sharingan, Kakashi noted that while it is possible that some Uchiha survived the clan's downfall, it was more likely that the boy was one of Orochimaru's experiments. Kakashi said he would send Yamato to help out in the search. Based on this conversation, Naruto decided to personally meet with Sasuke over the matter.

In Other Media

Movies

Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow

Team 7 was given orders for an A-rank mission to escort the famous actress, Yukie Fujikaze, to the Land of Snow. Upon arriving in the Land of Snow, they were attacked by three Yuki ninjas Kakashi had fought years ago when he was still in Anbu. It was then revealed that Yukie was actually Koyuki Kazahana, the true heir as daimyō to the Land of Snow, who Kakashi saved years ago from her treacherous uncle, Dotō. Kakashi used his Sharingan to copy some of their ice-based technique to escape.

Realising what Dotō was after, Kakashi switched Koyuki's crystal necklace with a fake one, in an attempt to stop him. When Koyuki was kidnapped along with Naruto, Kakashi and the rest of his team mounted a rescue attempt. Soon after Kakashi returned Koyuki's necklace to her, Dotō captured his niece, along with the necklace.

Kakashi was later intercepted by Nadare Rōga. Knowing his opponent had a high protection from ninjutsu and genjutsu, thanks to his armour, Kakashi relied on his taijutsu and defeated him with his Front Lotus. After Dotō was defeated by Naruto and Koyuki took up her role as daimyō, Kakashi learned to his joy that Koyuki would be playing a lead role in a new "Icha-Icha" movie.

Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom

Kakashi was sent on a mission of escorting Prince Michiru of the Land of the Moon, and his son, Hikaru Tsuki, back home. He was joined by his team (plus Rock Lee). Upon arriving, it was discovered that the Land of the Moon had been taken over by one of the king's advisers, Shabadaba, with the help of Three Wandering Ninja. After getting assistance from the royal guards, who were still loyal to the king, Kakashi aided their escape.

Later, Kakashi faced off against the leader of the rogue ninja, Ishidate, but failed to keep up with his opponent, thanks to being affected by a special gas, and ultimately having his left arm petrified to stone. This let the rogue ninja capture Michiru. After his arm was cured by Sakura, Kakashi joined a circus as a diversion, while having his team enter the castle to save Michiru. He then used his Sharingan and a water technique to keep the enemies occupied. In the end, Kakashi overused his Sharingan, and was forced to be hospitalised for several days, thus allowing his team to have a vacation in the Land of the Moon.

Naruto Shippūden the Movie

Kakashi only had a few cameos. When word reached Konoha that the legendary demon, Mōryō, had been released, and had begun its quest to control the world, Kakashi was sent out as one of the lead ninja to mount a counter-attack on Mōryō's assault of stone warriors. This was merely to stall for time while Naruto, Sakura, Lee, and Neji Hyūga escorted Priestess Shion, who had the power to reseal Mōryō. Towards the end of the movie, Kakashi appeared with Shikamaru Nara, Might Guy, and Temari to support Naruto and Shion in stopping Mōryō. Here, Kakashi used his Lightning Cutter to destroy several stone warriors. At the end of the movie, Kakashi was shocked by Shion's proposal for Naruto to father her child, which Naruto unknowingly agreed to.

Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds

When the infamous ninja of Land of the Sky attacked Konoha, Kakashi was one of the ninja who fought to protect the citizens, and fended off the attack. Later, Kakashi was put on a team with Shikamaru, Sai, and Shino Aburame to take down the enemy's ship fleet. After working out a plan with Shikamaru, the team was able to accomplish their mission. After Naruto was able to stop Shinnō and destroy his mothership, Kakashi witnessed it plummet, and merely commented that Naruto was as hyperactive as ever.

Naruto Shippūden the Movie: The Will of Fire

When word that all the Great Ninja Nations but Konoha were having wielders of their kekkei genkai abducted, Kakashi and his team were sent to investigate, following the trail of the most recent abducted man to the mountain range of Shumisen. Upon arriving, they are attacked by strange animals that injure Naruto and Sai. After the trail goes cold, Kakashi's team is forced to return to the village. Later, rogue ninja of Konoha named Hiruko appeared and announces to the world via technique that he was responsible for taking the kekkei genkai wielders and assimilated their power with his Chimera Technique to begin the Fourth Great Ninja War. Kakashi, who met Hiruko ten years prior, after obtaining Obito's Sharingan and was branded with a mind-controlling technique in a desire to obtain the Sharingan, realises that Hiruko has not actually gained control of the kekkei genkai he stole and must require certain conditions to obtain them or he wouldn't have waited ten years to go after Kakashi. After theorising that a solar eclipse was one of the conditions, Kakashi decides to face Hiruko. He also asks Tsunade to perform a technique on him. Later, after visiting Obito's grave again, Hiruko's technique takes effect on Kakashi, making him leave the village.

It is later revealed that Kakashi intentionally let this happen, as he had Tsunade implant a seal on him that would activate his Mangekyō Sharingan once Hiruko assimilated Kakashi. Refusing to let Kakashi sacrifice himself, Naruto went after Kakashi and managed to save him. This unfortunately allowed Hiruko a second chance to assimilate Kakashi and his Sharingan before the eclipse ended. Together Kakashi and Naruto fought Hiruko and found an opening for Naruto to unleash his Wind Release: Rasenshuriken to defeat Hiruko. As Hiruko began to die from his injuries, Kakashi went to him. Hiruko asks how he could have failed. Kakashi says that it was because he chose solitude over comrades. Realising that Kakashi made the same mistake in trying to sacrifice himself, Kakashi remembers how Obito once showed him the way and was thankful for Naruto stopping him. The movie ends with Kakashi thinking back on his past when Obito spoke to him about refusing to abandon a comrade and he smiles at Naruto commenting on the similarities between the two. Naruto, however, gains the wrong impression, mistakenly believing that Kakashi was homosexual and making a pass at him, which is commented upon by the rest of the groups present. Kakashi hurriedly denies this and chases after the fleeing Naruto, trying to explain what he meant.

Naruto Shippūden the Movie: The Lost Tower

Twenty years in the past, a young Kakashi is seen in the line of Ramen Ichiraku grand opening, along with Shizune, Asuma Sarutobi and Might Guy, who are impatiently waiting to eat ramen. However, Kakashi claims that they shouldn't be so excited for just ramen. As Shizune replies that he is in the waiting line too, Minato Namikaze appears and tells him to get ready for the mission. Guy asks Kakashi if he's not going to eat the ramen, to which he answers that he doesn't have as much free time as they do and leaves. Shizune calls him a jerk and Asuma agrees with her.

At Minato's request, Kakashi is allowed to tag along with him, Shibi Aburame and Chōza Akimichi in their effort to intervene in the conflicts occurring in a place known as Rōran.[167] Part of Kakashi's mission was to put explosive tags on the factory in Rōran under Minato's orders.

Later, Kakashi is saved by Yamato, though he claims that he saved him instead. As a result, Yamato hits him in the head claiming it's a payback for his future bullying, while Naruto looks in awe at his future sensei.

Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison

When the Fourth Raikage was attacked by a lone ninja, Team Kakashi was called by Tsunade. She revealed that the attacker was identified to be Naruto. Naruto profusely denied doing so, but when asking for Kakashi to verify his claims, the sensei remained silent. To keep relations between Konoha and the other villages civil, Naruto was arrested and sent to the Hōzuki Castle, which Kakashi explained to be criminal containment facility located in Kusagakure used by all the ninja villages. Despite Naruto's refusal to cooperate, he was quickly restrained.

Later, it was discovered that Naruto was framed to get him sent to the Hōzuki Castle so the council members could use the Nine-Tails' chakra to access the power of Box of Ultimate Bliss. Their goals turned sour when it instead unleashed a horrible demonic creature called Satori. During Naruto's battle against it, Kakashi and Naruto's other allies arrived. Kakashi revealed that they never truly believed Naruto was guilty, but instead pretended so as part of a mission that was a unified effort with Kumogakure designed by Kakashi; they didn't tell Naruto only in fear he would blow his cover. Feeling sorry for hurting Naruto's trust, Kakashi decided he would treat Naruto to as much ramen as he could eat. Despite the Kumo and Konoha-nin's combined effort, Satori was easily able to dodge all of their attacks, as if he could read minds. After Naruto discovered the truth behind the creature's power, Naruto became able to launch an effective counterattack. This allowed Kakashi and the others to round up the escaped prisoners who took advantage of the prison being demolished and their seals removed.

Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie

Kakashi first appeared with his friends battled several Zetsu clones disguised as deceased Akatsuki members. Later, in an alternate dimension, a different Kakashi appeared who is passionate, energetic, and a proponent of the "Power of Youth", causing his personality to be generally similar to the real world's Guy. He also has a bad habit of recklessly overusing his Sharingan.

This Kakashi was assigned to retrieve the Red Moon Scroll that was hidden and sealed away by Jiraiya who died protecting it from a masked man. He joined his sensei Minato and Kushina Uzumaki along with Guy and Naruto. Having overused his Sharingan again, he was unable to fight back the toads that were summoned to safeguard the scroll. After Minato retrieved the scroll, the toads dispersed. Later, the masked man appears in Konohagakure to take the scroll. Kakashi appeared with several Konoha-nin to defend Tsunade and the scroll, but was quickly defeated by the man's masked beasts.

A younger Kakashi that appears in Kakashi Gaiden and Anbu Kakashi are playable as separate characters from his adult self in some Naruto games. Kakashi, along with Sakura and Gaara, appears in the J-Stars Victory Vs. story mode.

Live Action

Live Spectacle Naruto

Creation and Conception

Masashi Kishimoto originally intended for Kakashi to début in the second chapter of the Naruto manga, appearing prior to the other members of Team 7. This Kakashi was designed as a laid back, affected, skilled ninja, that ended his sentences with the polite "de gozaru" in the Japanese versions of the series, similar to Kenshin Himura in the popular manga series Rurōni Kenshin and Lance Corporal Dororo in the manga and anime Keroro Gunsou. After speaking with his editor, Kishimoto pushed this début back, allowing him to better develop Kakashi and the rest of Team 7. Despite this, Kakashi retained many of his original personality traits, being easy-going, unfazed by the actions of others, and usually appearing to be half-asleep. Kishimoto felt that this made Kakashi a compelling leader, and helped to keep the diverse members of Team 7 unified. Because he acted as a link between the other main characters of the series, Kakashi was rarely featured prominently in promotional artwork, instead appearing in the background while his students were the focus of the scene.

When deciding upon Kakashi's name, Kishimoto considered a number of possibilities: Kuwa (クワ, Literally meaning: Hoe), Kama (カマ, Literally meaning: Scythe), Botan (ボタン, Literally meaning: Peony), Enoki (エノキ, Literally meaning: Nettle tree), and Kakashi (カカシ, Literally meaning: Scarecrow). He eventually decided upon Kakashi, and remained glad that he did ever since. In keeping with the meaning of his name, scarecrows were occasionally used to represent Kakashi; Naruto, for example, used a scarecrow that was dressed like Kakashi to help him train for a combat test between the two. Likewise, scarecrows were sometimes added to sceneries in which Kakashi appeared, as was the case with the cover of the Naruto manga volume three.

Trivia

The name "Kakashi" means "scarecrow" (案山子) and his family name "Hatake" means "farmland/field" (畑), so his name means "scarecrow in the farmland" (畑案山子). This is very fitting since many ninja in actual history (and ninja villages) posed as farmers. Also, in episode 101, he replaced himself with a scarecrow when Sakura was following him.

Kakashi always places in the top three of the Naruto character popularity polls. The third Naruto databook, after compiling the results of all six polls, places Kakashi as the most popular character in the series with 48,469 votes. In the seventh poll, he ranked second and in the seventh and the most recent poll, he got in third place.

According to Pakkun in an omake chapter published in the Third Databook, Kakashi greatly dislikes being photographed without his mask.

Studio Pierrot's Settei sheets of Kakashi show that he was 140 cm in Naruto Shippūden the Movie: The Lost Tower, 148 cm as a newly promoted jōnin at Kannabi Bridge and 168 cm when the Nine-Tails' attack occurred.

During Naruto Shippūden the Movie: The Lost Tower, when Minato presented the Third Hokage with Kakashi's files, it showed his ninja stats. It revealed that as a chūnin at age 10, 20 years before Shippūden, Kakashi's total stats are 22.5: Ninjutsu 3, Taijutsu 3, Genjutsu 2, Intelligence 4, Strength 1.5, Speed 3.5, Stamina 2, and Hand Seals 3.5. It also showed that his total missions completed at age 10 were 140: 48 D-rank, 21 C-rank, 63 B-rank, 8 A-rank, and 0 S-rank.

When Naruto asked Kakashi for assistance in using Wind chakra nature, he referred him onto Asuma Sarutobi, suggesting he hadn't obtained Wind Release at that point of time, or that Asuma was more skilled with it.

Quotes

(To his students) "I'm Kakashi Hatake. I have no desire to tell you my likes and dislikes… My dreams for the future… Hmm… As for my hobbies… I have lots of hobbies…"[168]

(To his students) "In the ninja world, those who break the rules are trash, that's true, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash."[169]

(To Naruto) "I can see where a thing like that would be hard to accept… but it's a fact you'll have to live with. This probably won't be the last time we run into a kid who's both younger than you… and stronger than me."[171]

(To his students) "Sorry I'm late, I'm afraid I got lost on the path of life."[172]

(To Orochimaru) "I don't care if you are one of the legendary Sannin, the great shinobi of legend, I swear take one more step towards Sasuke and one of us will die here!"[173]

(To Yūgao, about Obito's name engraved in the Memorial Stone) "This place makes me think about the mistakes I've made in the past… and I've made so many of them."[174]

(Looking at the statues of Madara and Hashirama in the Valley of the End) "Like the fate of the two who founded the village of Konoha… Naruto and Sasuke… your fates are like theirs."[175]

(To Chiyo) "Naruto has a mysterious ability… even without saying much, he can become friends with anyone.[176]

(To Kakuzu) "The next generation will always surpass the previous one. It's one of the never-ending cycles in life."[177]

(To Pain) "The people from this village are different from your average village. Even if it means dying, there's not a single one of us, who would sell out a comrade."[178]

(To Sakumo) "Regardless of what happened, you did the best you could. I understand that now… you broke the rules for all our sakes - I'm proud of you now…"[14]

(To Sasuke) "No matter how far Orochimaru fell, he still loved him… Now I know how the Third Hokage felt."[179]

(To the Third Division) "Look, it takes a lot to get me worked up, but this time my boiling point's as low as it's ever been. The "Copy Ninja" Kakashi, the man who copied one thousand techniques is about to go on a rampage!"[57]

(To Obito) "I'm just a piece of trash… but there are things I learned. The hole in your heart is something other people can fill. If you reject your friends' feelings and this world… just because something didn't go as you wished, no one will ever come to you. And so that hole won't be filled either, if you just run away without doing anything people won't do anything for you either… As long as you don't give up, you can still be saved!"[180]

(To Obito) "In the ninja world, those who break the rules are trash. However, those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash. And the ones who abandon their friends' feelings are even worse than that. I won't get rid of your past feelings, even if it's you who's refusing them."[181]

(To Naruto) "'I told you that I'll never let my friends die,'… that's also something that I wanted to convince myself of… There are many friends I was unable to protect so far…That's why every time I swear that I'll protect them… but then I still happen to face the truth of when I'm not able to do it… You have to take that 'wound' with you forever… That's why we're the one to endure… We are Ninja. I will never forget."[182]